Age-Related Hearing Loss

What is Age-Related Hearing Loss?

Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, is a gradual decline in hearing ability that occurs as people age, typically affecting both ears. It results from changes in the inner ear, auditory nerve, or brain's sound processing, often impacting high-frequency sounds. Early intervention can significantly improve communication and quality of life.

Types of Age-Related Hearing Loss

Presbycusis can be categorized based on the affected part of the auditory system, each requiring specific management:

Degrees of Severity

The severity of age-related hearing loss varies, impacting treatment approaches:

• Mild: Slight difficulty hearing soft sounds or conversations in noisy settings.
• Moderate: Noticeable trouble understanding speech, requiring louder volumes.
• Severe: Significant hearing loss, often needing hearing aids or surgical solutions.

Signs and Symptoms of Age-Related Hearing Loss

Age-related hearing loss develops gradually, often going unnoticed until it impacts daily life. Recognizing symptoms early can lead to effective management.

Common Warning Signs

• Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, such as voices or alarms.
• Trouble understanding conversations, especially in noisy environments.
• Needing to increase the volume on TVs, radios, or phones.
• Perception that others are mumbling or speaking unclearly.
• Tinnitus, such as ringing or buzzing in the ears.
• Difficulty distinguishing consonants like "s" or "f."
• Social withdrawal or frustration due to communication challenges.

Causes of Age-Related Hearing Loss

Age-related hearing loss results from a combination of physiological and environmental factors affecting the auditory system. Common causes include:

Physiological Factors

• Aging: Natural degeneration of inner ear hair cells or auditory nerve.
• Genetic predisposition: Family history increasing susceptibility.
• Poor blood flow: Reduced circulation to the inner ear affecting function.

Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

• Prolonged noise exposure: Cumulative damage from loud environments over time.
• Earwax buildup: Excessive cerumen exacerbating hearing difficulties.
• Medications: Ototoxic drugs like certain antibiotics or chemotherapy agents.

Medical Conditions

• Chronic conditions: Diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease impacting ear health.
• Infections or injuries: Past ear infections or trauma contributing to hearing loss.

Prevention and Ear Health

While age-related hearing loss cannot always be prevented, certain measures can slow its progression and maintain ear health.

Maintaining Ear Health

• Protect ears from loud noises using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones.
• Maintain good ear hygiene to prevent wax buildup or infections.
• Manage chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension with medical guidance.
• Avoid ototoxic medications unless necessary, under medical supervision.
• Schedule regular hearing evaluations with an ENT specialist.
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise to support circulation.
• Limit exposure to environmental noise, such as loud music or machinery.

Treatment Options for Age-Related Hearing Loss

At ENT Gurgaon, we offer comprehensive diagnostics and tailored solutions, from hearing aids to advanced procedures, to manage age-related hearing loss effectively and enhance quality of life.