Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis)

Condition 

Gradual hearing loss with age;  33% between 65 and 74 years and 50% older that 75 have hearing loss:

• Loss of hearing day-to-day sounds, communication ability, feelings of isolation.

• Most often occurs in both ears, affecting them equally.

Most have a combination of both age-related hearing loss and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)​.

Cause ​

• Arises from inner ear changes, but can also result from middle ear changes, or from changes in nerve pathway from ear to brain.

• Conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

• Certain medications can be toxic to hair cells.

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Prevention, Treatment 

• No known preventive measure at this time; research ongoing.

• Protect from NIHL by avoiding loud noises, reducing exposure time, using hearing protection devices.

If hearing problem is perceived consult with:

• Otolaryngologist (ear, nose, throat, and neck doctor) who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases.

• Audiologist who specializes in identifying and measuring the type and degree of hearing loss and potentially fit your hearing aid.

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