The First Signs of Age-Related Hearing Loss

Do you struggle to hear your grandchildren from time to time, or perhaps you are listening to your media devices at a much higher volume than before? These can be the first signs of hearing loss, especially if you are over fifty years old. If you suspect you have some hearing loss, it’s time to visit an audiologist for a checkup, a test and possibly a hearing device to help.

• Age-related hearing loss is technically known as presbycusis by audiologists.
• Most presbycusis is caused by the disappearance of cilia hairs in the inner ear.
• Difficulty hearing high-frequency sound is one of the first signs of presbycusis.
• An audiologist can perform a range of tests to discover any hearing loss.

A Definition of Presbycusis

Age-related hearing loss has a scientific name – it is called presbycusis. Presbycusis is the gradual loss of hearing in people over the age of fifty; it is caused by the destruction of tiny hairs in the inner ear called cilia. When the cilia hairs disappear, sound signals can’t reach the brain.

According to studies, one in three adults in the United States experiences presbycusis, but the onset of the hearing loss can be gradual and difficult to identify. The first signs of presbycusis are usually the loss of sounds in the high-frequency range; these can include the ringing of a cell phone, the ping of a microwave oven or the sound of a child’s voice during a conversation.

Causes of Age-Related Hearing Loss

Age-related hearing loss has many causes that can accumulate over time, making a single cause unlikely. Still, the majority of this form of hearing loss is the result of damage and loss to cilia hairs in the inner ear; these important hairs are lost due to persistent exposure to noise.

The most common reason for age-related hearing loss changes to the inner ear is caused by cell division and cilia losses, but this can be accelerated because of exposure to loud and persistent noise like road traffic, media devices and loud workplaces. Some people might also experience hearing loss because of genetic factors and changes to the inner or middle ear.

First Signs of Age-Related Hearing Loss

Since age-related hearing loss is a gradual process, it can be difficult to discern at first; this is one reason to have your hearing checked regularly by an audiologist. If you don’t have a regular test, you need to be aware of some of the early warning signs of hearing loss; these include reduced hearing in everyday conversations and an inability to hear high-frequency sounds.

If you notice the speech of your loved ones becoming garbled or slurred, it’s time for a hearing test; certain sounds, such as s and th, might also be difficult to discern with age-related hearing loss. Children and women can also be harder to comprehend due to the frequency.

How is Hearing Loss Diagnosed?

If you think you are experiencing age-related hearing loss, it’s a good idea to have your hearing checked by a professional. An audiologist can carry out a hearing test and check your ear canal for signs of damage. A diagnosis can lead to a hearing aid and better life quality.

When you visit an audiologist, the first thing they will do is look in your ear canal using an otoscope; this is a medical scope with a light that allows the hearing professional to view the inner ear and check its general condition. Following this, someone might undergo a hearing test – usually a tone test – to determine the range of frequencies that can be heard by an individual.

Treatments for Age-Related Hearing Loss

Age-related hearing loss has a range of treatment options that depend on someone’s age and the type of hearing loss they are experiencing. Typical treatment solutions include various hearing devices along with lifestyle changes to reduce exposure to significant noise levels.

A prescription hearing device can improve hearing considerably and tend to have a range of additional features to make life easier. A hearing device might also have the ability to cancel background noise and technology to automate and enhance the sound in a local environment.

Audiology and Hearing Aid Center

If you have experienced some of the initial signs of hearing loss and you are aged over fifty, it’s a sensible idea to have your hearing tested by a professional audiologist. Visit Rametta Hearing for information on hearing loss; call Tarentum: at (724) 409-4439 or Vandergrift: (724) 567-3233.