Age-related hearing loss (or presbycusis) is the gradual loss of hearing in both ears. It’s a common problem linked to aging. One in 3 adults over age 65 has hearing
loss. Because of the gradual change in hearing, some people are not aware of the change at first. Most often, it affects the ability to hear high-pitched noises such as a phone ringing or beeping of a microwave. The ability to hear low-pitched noises is usually not affected. There may be many causes for age-related hearing loss. It most most often occurs because of changes in the following locations: Within the
inner ear (most common) Within the middle ear Along the nerve pathways to the brain Other things that affect age-related hearing loss: Continuous exposure to loud noise (such as music or work related noise) Loss of hair cells (sensory receptors in the inner ear) Inherited factors Aging Various health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes Side effects of some medications, such as aspirin and certain antibiotics What are the symptoms of age-related hearing loss?The following are the most common symptoms of age-related hearing loss:
The symptoms of age-related hearing loss may look like other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your health care provider for a diagnosis. How is age-related hearing loss diagnosed?Your health care provider will use an otoscope, which is a lighted scope, to check in the outer ear canal and to look at the ear drum. He or she will look for damage to the ear drum, blockage of the ear canal from foreign objects or impacted ear wax, inflammation or infection. You may be referred to a hearing specialist, audiologist, to have an audiogram. An audiogram is a test in which sounds are played through headphones, to one ear at a time. You are asked to respond if you are able to hear each sound. If a person can’t hear certain tones this suggests there has been some degree of hearing loss. How is age-related hearing loss treated?Your health care provider will figure out the best treatment based on:
Treatment options for age-related hearing loss may include the following:
What are the complications of age-related hearing loss?If your hearing loss is significant enough, you may need some type of hearing aid or other aids to communicate with others. What can I do to prevent age-related hearing loss?The most important way to prevent age-related hearing loss is to protect your hearing.
Living with age-related hearing lossIf you have hearing loss, your health care professional can refer you to specialists in hearing loss, such as an:
Key points
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your health care provider:
Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis)
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