Understanding Age-Related Hearing Loss

Presbycusis: Understanding Age-Related Hearing Loss

What is Presbycusis?
Presbycusis is the gradual loss of hearing that naturally occurs as we get older. It usually affects both ears and is most common in adults aged 65 and above, with around 30-35% experiencing some degree of hearing loss. This makes presbycusis one of the most widespread age-related conditions.

Hearing loss can make everyday conversations challenging—especially in noisy environments like restaurants, busy streets, or social gatherings. While presbycusis can’t be reversed, there are effective ways to manage its impact.

What Causes Age-Related Hearing Loss?
Presbycusis results from the natural wear and tear on the delicate structures in your inner ear caused by lifelong exposure to everyday sounds like music, traffic, machinery, and office noise. Tiny hair cells inside the ear, which transmit sound signals to the brain, gradually become damaged and do not regenerate.

Other factors that may contribute include:

• Certain medications
• Health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure
• Family history of hearing loss
• Changes in ear structure or nerve pathways connecting the ear to the brain

What Are the Symptoms?
Because presbycusis develops slowly and affects both ears, it can be hard to notice at first. Symptoms often include:

• Sounds seeming muffled or unclear
• Difficulty hearing conversations, especially in noisy places
• Trouble hearing high-pitched sounds, including women’s voices
• Missing phone rings or doorbells
• Perceiving some sounds as too loud
• Experiencing tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)

How Is Presbycusis Diagnosed?
Hearing checks are recommended from age 55. If you notice changes in your hearing, it’s important to see a qualified audiologist for a full ear examination and hearing test. This helps confirm whether your hearing loss is due to presbycusis or another cause.

What Treatment Options Are Available?
There’s no cure for presbycusis, but many treatments can help manage symptoms:

• Hearing aids: Amplify sounds you find difficult to hear
• Assisted listening devices: Improve clarity from TVs, phones, and other electronics
• Cochlear implants: Surgically implanted devices that stimulate hearing for severe loss
• Lip reading: A valuable skill to supplement hearing in conversations

Living Well with Age-Related Hearing Loss
Hearing loss doesn’t have to limit your life. With the right support and devices, you can stay connected and engaged. Our team is here to help you find the best hearing aids and assistive technologies tailored to your needs. We can also provide guidance on using visual cues and communication strategies to enhance understanding.

If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, book a free hearing health check with our trained professionals today. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

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