Roughly one in three older adults between 65 and 74 experience hearing loss in the United States, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. That number goes up to roughly one in two people at ages 75 and older. That makes age-related hearing loss a major health concern for older people, their families, and their caregivers.
What is Presbycusis (Age-related Hearing Loss)?
Sensory presbycusis—commonly referred to as age-related hearing changes—is a form of sensorineural hearing decline that can occur gradually over time. It involves age-associated changes to the inner ear and auditory pathways. It is a gradual hearing loss that occurs with age, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA).
It is distinct from noise-induced hearing loss, which occurs at any age from loud noise exposure and can occur rapidly rather than gradually.
What Does Age-related Hearing Loss Sound Like?
According to John Hopkins Medicine, many older adults report that presbycusis makes many noises sound muffled while high-pitched sounds are harder to notice. That may mean that other people’s speech can sound slurred and make it more difficult to hear women’s or children’s voices. Some older adults also report occasional issues with tinnitus, a ringing in the ears.
How Can I Tell If I Have a Hearing Problem?
If you notice changes in hearing, the most appropriate next step is to schedule a professional hearing evaluation with a licensed provider, such as an audiologist or otolaryngologist (ENT).
How Can I Tell If My Loved One Has a Hearing Problem?
Indicators that it may be helpful to schedule a professional hearing evaluation for a loved one can include:
- Social isolation
- Talking loudly into their cell phones
- Turning up their TV volume too high
- Consistently asking people to repeat themselves
It’s important to note that no one can diagnose hearing problems based on symptoms like the ones above alone. Only a licensed medical professional can make a diagnosis based on an in-depth, in-person exam.
What Should I Do If I Have Trouble Hearing?
If you or an aging loved one has difficulty hearing, get in touch with a licensed medical provider, such as an audiologist or otolaryngologist. These healthcare professionals can help identify potential contributing factors and discuss available options for support or management.
When Should I See My Healthcare Provider?
Any time you or a loved one is concerned about your hearing (or any other medical concern), see a licensed medical provider right away. They can help you determine if there is a potential issue and how best to address it.
Possible Causes of Hearing Loss in Seniors
What is the Main Cause of Age-related Hearing Loss?
The single-most common cause of hearing loss for older people (sensory presbycusis, specifically) is cumulative wear and tear on the inner ear‘s hair cells, which are crucial for proper hearing, according to the NIA.
Other Potential Causes & Risk Factors
Other less-common potential causes and risk factors for experiencing hearing loss in older age, according to John Hopkins Medicine, include:
- Genetics and family history
- Certain medical conditions like diabetes
- Certain medications
Potential Treatments & Prevention Methods
How Do You Treat Age-related Hearing Loss?
Possible treatment options a medical provider may recommend for hearing loss include:
- Hearing aids, including over-the-counter hearing aids for moderate hearing loss and prescription hearing aids for severe hearing loss
- Other assistive devices like cochlear implants
- Lifestyle changes such as lowering background noise or using ear protection in loud environments
Can Age-related Hearing Loss Be Reversed?
Most age-related hearing loss is due to wear and tear on the hair cells in the inner ear that occurs naturally over time. These cells do not regenerate, meaning this form of hearing loss cannot be reversed or cured, only prevented and managed.
What Can I Do to Prevent Age-related Hearing Loss?
Some risk factors for presbycusis are unavoidable, like genetics and family history. Other potential risk factors, however, are well within our control. Potential steps that may help support hearing wellness—which you can review with a licensed medical provider—include the following:
- Managing exposure to loud sounds.
- Receiving hearing screenings regularly.
- Managing conditions like diabetes that can increase the risk of hearing loss.
Important Notice: The information in this article is intended for general education only and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Hearing ability varies widely among individuals, and outcomes may differ.
Disclaimer: Each person’s situation is unique. This article is for general informational purposes only. It does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
Wendy Gores, RN