Symptoms of Age-Related Hearing Loss

Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis)

The official term for age-related hearing loss is presbycusis. It's characterized as gradual hearing loss in the ears due to old age. Most adults above the age of 65 suffer from it. Because this condition occurs gradually, many people are unaware they have it.

So, how can you determine if you or a loved one has presbycusis? Here are the symptoms of age-related hearing loss:

Common Symptoms of Age-Related Hearing Loss

Here are some of the most common symptoms that occur in both ears in elderly people that could signal hearing loss.

• It's easier to hear and understand men's voices than women's.
• Some sounds seem overly loud such as a screeching chair. Others might seem annoying.
• Ringing, buzzing, or humming in one or both of the ears. This is called tinnitus.
• Hearing sounds from the inside rather than external sources.
• External sounds and speech seem mumbled or slurred.
• Some sounds become hard to pinpoint. These could be "s" or "th" or deceptively similar sounds.
• Inability to hear or understand words when there is background noise.

While these symptoms are standalone and self-explanatory, there are other behavioral symptoms too. This includes increasing the volume of the TV or radio or asking people to speak louder.

Other symptoms can be inattention to conversations because it's hard to hear. What might seem like disengagement or dismissal may just be hearing loss. It's common for people to "not have heard" when somebody calls out their name.

Hearing Loss Treatment Options

There are multiple treatment options to manage hearing loss and mitigate its effects on your ability to communicate, converse, and understand speech. These include:

• Hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss.
• Cochlear implants for severe hearing loss.
• Aural rehabilitation methods.
• Assistive devices.

Consult An Expert Audiologist

While you may be aware of your symptoms, it's always important to consult an expert audiologist for a proper diagnosis. Hearing experts and audiologists check your ear canal and perform tests to provide a diagnosis and treatment options. Contact us at Bay Area Audiology for expert consultation.