Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, is a common condition affecting roughly two-thirds of Americans aged 70 or older. It is the most prevalent type of hearing loss globally. It’s often overlooked due to its gradual onset and subtle symptoms. So, if you find yourself straining to hear conversations in bustling environments like Sweet Beans Coffee Bar it might be time to consult a hearing specialist.
Signs Of Presbycusis
The onset of presbycusis is gradual and can affect one or both ears. Recognizing the signs of presbycusis can be challenging.
Key indicators of age-related hearing loss include:
- Difficulty discerning high-pitched sounds
- Struggling to comprehend speech in noisy surroundings
- Perceiving others’ speech as muffled or slurred (especially sounds like “s” or “th”)
- Experiencing tinnitus, a ringing sensation in one or both ears
If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s recommended you see a hearing specialist. When at the doctor, your hearing specialist will first need to exclude other potential health conditions. To diagnose presbycusis, they will examine your ears and possibly conduct an audiogram or hearing test.
Causes of Presbycusis
Presbycusis can be attributed to several factors. The natural aging process can lead to the deterioration of receptors in the inner ear and damage nerve pathways to the brain. Other causes may include prolonged exposure to loud noise, certain health conditions like diabetes or heart disease and side effects from medications.
Although a diagnosis of age-related hearing loss can be intimidating, it opens the door to various treatment options to improve your quality of life. Your hearing specialist will guide you in creating a personalized treatment plan based on your specific hearing loss and preferences.
Treatment methods for presbycusis might include hearing aids, assistive listening devices or strategies to prevent excessive ear wax accumulation. It’s also possible to take proactive measures to stave off age-related hearing loss, such as monitoring volume levels, minimizing noise exposure at work and during recreational activities and wearing protective hearing equipment to safeguard your hearing.
If you have concerns about presbycusis or suspect that you or a loved one may have it, schedule an appointment at Hampton Roads ENT ~ Allergy.