CATEGORY: HEALTH & WELLNESS
What is age-related hearing loss?
Presbycusis is the loss of hearing that gradually occurs in most of us as we grow older. It is one of the most common conditions affecting elder adults. Approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loos, and nearly half of those older than 75.
Hearing loss most often occurs in both ears, affecting them equally. Because the loss is gradual, if you have age-related hearing loss you may not realize that you’ve lost some of your ability to hear.
Why do we lose our hearing as we get older?
Most commonly, it arises from changes in the inner ear, but it may result from changes in the middle ear, or from complex changes along the nerve pathways from the ear to the brain.
What should I do if I have trouble hearing?
Seek advice from a health care provider. There are many types of professionals who can help you. You might want to start with your primary care physician, an otolaryngologist, an audiologist, or a hearing aid specialist. Each one has a different type of training and ability to care for a range of loss in hearing conditions.
What treatments and devices can help?
Treatment depends on the level of hearing loss. Some treatments will work better then others, so speak to your primary care giver to make sure you find the one that fits you the best.
