Hearing loss is a serious health condition that affects many people worldwide. While it affects one ear for some, most people will be affected in both ears. There are many contributing factors that lead to someone developing a hearing loss, with some more common than others. One of the more common contributors is ageing; this type of hearing loss is called presbycusis, also known as “age related” hearing loss. Presbycusis is the gradual loss of hearing that occurs as people age, resulting from changes within the inner ear, along the nerve pathways to the brain, or in the way the brain processes sound. This is most common in individuals 60 years and older and thus why getting a hearing test for this age group is strongly recommended.
What are the causes?
Genetics
Continuous noise exposure
Loss of hair cells in the inner ear
Health conditions (heart disease or diabetes)
Side affects from some medications/ antibiotics (consult with your family physician)
What are the some of the symptoms?
Speech sounds muffled or sounds like others are mumbling
Asking others to speak slowly or repeat themselves
Avoiding social functions and activities
Increasing the volume on the television and radio
Difficulty hearing consonants
Finding men’s voices easier to hear and understand than women or children
How is it diagnosed?
Usually the symptoms above will tell the individual, their loved ones and friends that there is a decline in their hearing. At this juncture an appointment for a hearing assessment with a hearing healthcare professional should be scheduled to investigate these concerns.
Note: If you feel like your hearing is gradually gotten worse, you can schedule a hearing assessment with one of our licensed hearing healthcare professionals at one of our Canadian clinic locations through the link below:
https://campaignforbetterhearing.ca/#locations
Treatments Include:
Hearing aids (For mild to severe cases)
Cochlear Implants (For those with severe/ profound hearing loss where hearing aids aren’t suitable
Lip reading/speech reading classes
Assistive listening devices (Aid with television use telephone use and with some compatible electronic devices)
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20373072
https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/hearing-loss/is-age-related-hearing-loss-preventable
https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/52510-Presbycusis-understanding-age-related-hearing-loss
https://www.clearliving.com/uk/hearing/hearing-loss/what-to-expect-from-a-hearing-test/