Hearing loss can be an unfortunate reality of everyone’s golden years. As we age, our hearing apparatus can deteriorate, in some cases because we have simply heard too much loud stuff over our lifetimes. Presbycusis is the name for hearing loss that occurs as we age. It is nothing to be afraid of and is something that can be managed effectively as to not interfere with one’s quality of life. Here are some important and helpful, albeit basic, facts about age related hearing loss.

There is no single cause for age related hearing loss; rather, it is can be due to any number of things or to a combination of factors. Presbycusis, as a sensorineural hearing disorder, is usually due to either gradual structural deformations in the inner ear, or damage to the auditory nerve. A lifetime’s worth of background noise (think jackhammers, loud concerts, traffic, etc.) can also contribute to the development of the condition.

Hearing loss as the result of old age is not at all unusual. According to some estimates, thirty to thirty-five percent of those aged sixty five to seventy five suffer from some form and degree of hearing loss. And incidences of some hearing loss in those aged eighty and over are even more frequent, striking nearly fifty percent of folks in that age category.

Often, the hearing loss occurs simultaneously in both ears so as to go unnoticed initially. It often becomes difficult to hear certain high-pitched sounds: the telephone ringing or a whistle, for example. It can become difficult to hear others speak or they may begin to sound slurred, and the sensation that everything seems to be set a low volume is not uncommon. Ringing noises in the ears may also occur.

Help is out there for those in need. Hearing aids can make a big difference depending on the exact type and degree of hearing loss. Listening devices in telephones and radios can also be of much assistance. Lessons in speech-reading (essentially reading someone’s lips as the speak) can also help to make everyday life and interpersonal interaction much easier.

Presbycusis is a problem for many folks aging gracefully into their golden years. But the problem is not unmanageable by any means. Getting to know a little bit about age related hearing loss and how to manage it is the first step in beginning to deal with not being able to hear so well.

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