Understanding Presbycusis: What Is Age-Related Hearing Loss?

As we journey through life's various stages, our bodies inevitably change, and one of the most common transformations involves the natural deterioration of our hearing.  

Presbycusis, commonly known as age-related hearing loss, is the gradual loss of hearing that happens as we age. Our hearing cells naturally age with us and eventually lose functionality. 

Age-related hearing loss is one of the most prevalent types of hearing loss. This condition is primarily sensorineural, meaning it comes about from the deterioration of the inner ear structures or the auditory pathways. 

Causes of Presbycusis 

The primary cause of presbycusis is the natural aging process. As we age, several changes can negatively impact our hearing ability: 

The hair cells in the cochlea, which are responsible for translating sound waves into nerve impulses, can deteriorate over time. 

Reduced blood flow to the inner ear can impair its function. 

A family history of hearing loss can increase the risk of developing presbycusis. 

Other contributing factors might include long-term exposure to loud noises and certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension. 

Symptoms to Watch For 

Presbycusis can be identified through several key symptoms: 

This includes sounds like the voices of women and children or the chirping of birds. 

A persistent ringing or buzzing sound might be present.

Especially in noisy environments, those affected may find it hard to follow conversations.

Many sufferers find themselves frequently increasing the volume on televisions or radios. 

If you’re dealing with any of the above symptoms, we encourage you to get in touch with us for further assistance. 

How to Diagnose and Treat Presbycusis 

At Clarity Hearing, our team of expert audiologists is committed to providing a comprehensive diagnosis of any and all hearing health concerns.  

We employ state-of-the-art audiological technology to conduct a series of hearing tests that evaluate the degree and type of hearing loss. You benefit from our personalized approach tailored to your unique needs, ensuring that your requirements are met with expert precision and care. 

While presbycusis is a progressive condition, various treatment options can significantly improve quality of life, including: 

By testing your hearing, you can learn what your ears need to succeed and monitor changes to your hearing health for early detection and management. 

Modern hearing aids are highly effective in amplifying sound and enhancing hearing ability. We work with a range of hearing aid manufacturers and offer assistive devices customized to suit your lifestyle and preferences. Our focus on unbundled pricing ensures that you only pay for the services you need. 

These devices can help you hear better by amplifying the source of sound. 

Learning to lip-read or using closed captioning on television can be beneficial in helping you understand speech better. 

Start Your Hearing Health Journey Today! 

Understanding presbycusis is the first step in managing its effects on your life; by recognizing its symptoms and treatment options, you can get back to hearing the life you love with ease.

Our team is here to guide you through every step, offering expert care and compassionate support.  

To get started, please feel free to request a callback and we’ll contact you to help as soon as we can. 

Don’t want to wait? Find your closest location and give us a call!