Presbycusis

What is age-related hearing loss (Presbycusis)? 
Age-related hearing loss (Presbycusis) is a type of hearing loss that occurs gradually with age. It is a common condition affecting adults as they grow older.
As we age, hearing loss typically occurs in both ears. Due to the gradual nature of the loss, individuals may not be aware that their ability to hear has diminished.

Why do we lose our hearing as we get older? 
Several factors can impact our hearing as we age. Changes in the inner ear are a common cause of hearing loss. Additionally, age-related changes in the middle ear and along nerve pathways to the brain can also affect hearing. Prolonged exposure to noise and certain medical conditions can also contribute to age-related hearing loss.

• Difficulty in understanding speech, especially in noisy environments like a restaurant. 
• Can’t hear certain high-pitched sounds like birds singing or alarms. 
• Turning up the volume on electronic devices like cell phones, television, etc. 
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) may occur in one or both ears. 
• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves 
• Feeling socially isolated due to communication difficulties. 

Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis) is a type of sensorineural hearing loss, or hearing loss that happens when something damages your inner ear. Risk factors for presbycusis include:

• Degeneration of Inner Ear Structures:  The fine hair cells in the cochlea (inner ear) can deteriorate or lose function over time due to ageing.
• Changes in Blood Flow:  Diminished blood flow to the inner ear may play a part in age-related hearing loss by affecting the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the cells responsible for hearing.
• A family history of hearing misfortune:  Age-related hearing loss can be hereditary. If some members of your family experience hearing loss as they age, there is a likelihood that you may also develop the condition.
• Ototoxicity:  This refers to damage to the inner ear as a potential side effect of certain medications.
• Noise exposure:  Studies suggest that individuals with noise-induced hearing loss are more prone to developing severe age-related hearing loss.
• Other Health Conditions:  Certain health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, could raise the risk of age-related hearing loss.

Inquire yourself about the taking after questions. If you reply “yes” to two or more of these questions, or “sometimes” to three or more of these questions, you might have hearing misfortune and ought to consider having your hearing checked.

1. Do you have trouble tuning in to TV or radio?
2. Do you have trouble hearing when going to a party?
3. Does a hearing issue cause you to feel baffled when talking to individuals in your family?
4. Does a hearing issue cause you to feel cleared out when you are with a gather of people?
5. Does a hearing issue cause you trouble when going to companions, relatives, or neighbors?
6. Do you feel challenged by a hearing problem?
7. Do you feel that any trouble with your hearing limits or hampers your individual or social life?
8. Does a hearing issue cause you to feel awkward when talking to friends?
9. Does a hearing issue cause you to maintain a strategic distance from bunches of people?
10. Does a hearing issue cause you to visit companions, relatives, or neighbors less regularly than you would like?

Consultation with an Audiologist: An audiologist, who specializes in identifying and managing hearing disorders, may be involved in the diagnosis and management of age-related hearing loss.  

An Audiologist will ask questions about your medical history, including any symptoms you’re experiencing, how long you’ve noticed them, and whether you have any other medical conditions or taking any medications that could affect your hearing. 

Further evaluation includes:

• Physical Examination: A physical examination of the ears will be conducted to check for any visible signs of problems such as earwax buildup, infections, or abnormalities in the ear structure. 
• Hearing Tests: Several hearing tests may be performed to assess the extent and nature of hearing loss. These tests may include:
  • Tympanometry: This test measures the movement of the eardrum in response to changes in air pressure, which helps assess middle ear function.
  • Oto-acoustic emissions (OAE): This test measures sounds produced by the inner ear in response to stimuli. Lack of these emissions can indicate hearing loss.
  • Pure-tone audiometry: This test involves listening to tones at different frequencies and volumes through headphones and indicating when you hear them.
  • Speech audiometry: This test evaluates how well you can hear and understand speech at different volumes.

Treatment options for age-related hearing loss depend on the severity and underlying causes but may include: 

Note: Right now, there’s no cure for age-related hearing loss, but using hearing aids may help to improve hearing 

• Hearing aids: These devices amplify sounds to make them easier to hear. 
• Assistive listening devices: These include devices such as amplified telephones, captioned telephones, and personal listening systems that can help improve communication in specific situations. 
• Hearing rehabilitation: This may include auditory training exercises and strategies such as lip reading, using visual cues, and environmental modifications that can help improve communication for individuals with presbycusis. 
• Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments are important to assess the progression of hearing loss and adjust treatment as necessary. 

While age-related hearing loss is often unavoidable, there are steps individuals can take to protect their hearing as they age.

These include avoiding exposure to loud noises, using hearing protection in noisy environments, maintaining overall health through regular exercise and a balanced diet, and seeking prompt treatment for any ear-related issues.