Presbycusis Is Age-Related Hearing Loss

Introduction
Presbycusis is age-related hearing loss. This is a common condition that begins in middle age and develops slowly over time. Presbycusis usually affects both ears. This condition is permanent and cannot be corrected surgically. However, hearing aids can help with this condition.
What are the causes?
This condition is caused by age-related changes in the inner or middle ear. These changes usually affect parts of the spiral-shaped cavity that translates sounds into nerve signals that are sent to the brain (cochlea).
What increases the risk?
The following factors may make you more likely to develop this condition:
Older age.
Being male.
Exposure to loud noises.
Exposure to medicines or substances that are poisonous (toxic) to organs …show more content…
Generally, it affects both ears. Signs of hearing loss can include:
Asking people to repeat themselves often.
Difficulty hearing people over the phone.
Difficulty following conversations when multiple people are talking.
Difficulty hearing when there is background noise, such as at a restaurant or bar.
Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, such as children speaking.
Turning the television volume up to levels that are higher than normal.
Talking loudly.
Other symptoms include:
Roaring, ringing, hissing, or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus).
How is this diagnosed?
This condition may be diagnosed based on:
Your medical history.
An ear exam. Your health care provider will look into your ears to check whether there may be another cause of your hearing loss, such as ear wax buildup.
A hearing test (audiogram). This test will see whether you can hear different tones at different pitches.
Your health care provider may also refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) or a hearing loss specialist (audiologist) who can assess your hearing loss and identify the cause.
How is this treated?
There is no cure for this condition, but treatment can help you hear better. Treatment may …show more content…
Once they know, they will be able to better communicate with you and help you cope.
When talking with others, face them so you can see their lips move while they talk. Watch their hand gestures and facial expressions. Ask people if they can:
Get your attention before they start talking to you.
Speak more clearly, slowly, or loudly (but not shout).
Face you when they are talking.
Coping with hearing loss
Consider using assistive listening devices at home and at work, such as:
Electronic devices that are linked with hearing aids to help you hear on the telephone. These can also be hooked up to sound systems in certain places such as theaters.
Apps for smartphones and tablets that can help translate speech to text.
Alerting devices. These play a loud sound or flash a light to indicate a doorbell or alarm.
Avoid loud noises.
Avoid or decrease background noise as much as possible.
Turn off the TV and radio when you are not actively listening to it.
Avoid noisy spots in public places. For example, when in a restaurant, asking for a table away from the kitchen or bar.
Consider adding carpet to your home to absorb excess

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