Is Hearing Loss a Normal Part of Aging?

Are you being asked to repeat yourself or speak a little louder when you are with your aging parent? If so, you are not alone! Research indicates that age-related hearing loss affects two-thirds of people over the age of 70 and 17 percent of all adults in the United States (source). There are many causes of hearing loss, but continued research on the topic has found age-related hearing loss (known as presbycusis) does gradually occur for many of us as we age. It is an extremely common condition that affects many older adults.

Having trouble hearing can make it difficult to hear the phone ring or a smoke alarm going off. It may make it difficult to capture everything your doctor says, as well as impact your enjoyment when talking with family and friends, leading to feelings of isolation. Because this condition is so common, we’ve provided some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you better understand age-related hearing loss. Review the information below and consider speaking with your physician about available options for your aging loved one.

What is presbycusis?

Presbycusis is the loss of hearing that gradually occurs in most individuals as they grow older. Hearing loss is a common disorder associated with aging.

How many adults have age-related hearing loss?

About 30-35 percent of adults age 65 and older have a hearing loss. It is estimated that 40-50 percent of people 75 and older have a hearing loss.

Does hearing loss affect both ears?

Age-related 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.

What are the common causes of age-related hearing loss?

There are many causes of age-related hearing loss. Most commonly, it arises from changes in the inner ear as we age such as damage to the tiny hair cells inside your inner ear, but it can also result from changes in the middle ear, or from complex changes along the nerve pathways from the ear to the brain. Certain medical conditions and medications may also play a role.

What other factors cause hearing loss?

The following factors contribute to age-related hearing loss:

  • Repeated exposure to loud noises
  • Family history (age-related hearing loss tends to run in families)
  • Certain medical conditions (such as diabetes)
  • Certain medicines (such as chemotherapy drugs for cancer)

Can you prevent hearing loss?

In many older adults, hearing loss is related to a combination of age-related and noise-induced factors. We can take steps, however, to protect ourselves from noise-induced causes by wearing earplugs during exposure to loud sound, firearms, or outdoor equipment. We should also limit our exposure to prolonged loud noises.

Who should you talk with about hearing loss?

If you suspect your aging loved one is starting to lose their hearing, you should consult a doctor. While there is no cure for hearing loss, there are many ways to treat and help reduce hearing loss over time.

In addition to talking with a physician, review the options of hearing aids available recently posted on caringvillage.com.

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