Presbycusis is the term for the gradual hearing loss that happens as we age. It’s a normal part of getting older and affects about 35% of people aged 65 to 75, and around half of those over 75.
Typically, presbycusis makes it hard to hear high-pitched sounds. So, someone with this condition might hear a car coming but struggle to catch the notes of a flute.
Why It Happens
As we age, changes occur in our middle ear or the nerve pathways to the brain. Presbycusis stands out from other hearing issues because it happens slowly. Many older adults might not notice their hearing declining over time.
Recognizing the Signs
Since this hearing loss progresses gradually, it’s vital to be aware of the signs early on. Identifying it sooner can help maintain a better quality of life and slow down further hearing loss.
A clear sign of presbycusis is when sounds become unclear and hard to grasp, making speech difficult to understand. If people’s speech seems slurred, if you struggle with high-pitched sounds, have trouble hearing when there’s background noise, or find certain sounds irritating, you might be dealing with presbycusis.
What Can Help
An audiologist can assist by advising you to avoid noisy environments or by fitting you with hearing aids. There are also other aids, like telephone amplifiers, that help make conversations easier for those with hearing loss.
What Happens if It’s Ignored
If left untreated, presbycusis can lead to mental and physical issues. It may cause social isolation and depression. Additionally, recent studies suggest that untreated hearing loss can raise the risk of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and even various heart conditions.