As time moves forward, our bodies will go through a lot of changes. Unfortunately, one of the things that can happen is a loss of hearing. But the good news is that there are some things you can do to help prevent it.
What Is Presbycusis?
Presbycusis is the medical term for the gradual loss of hearing that occurs as a person ages. It is a type of sensorineural hearing loss, which means that it is caused by damage to the inner ear or to the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain.
Presbycusis is a very common condition, affecting approximately one in three people over the age of 65. Presbycusis is probably the most common type of hearing loss and can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.
What Are the Symptoms of Presbycusis?
The symptoms of presbycusis can vary depending on the severity of the condition. In general, however, people with presbycusis may experience the following:
- difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
- difficulty hearing in noisy environments
- needing to ask people to repeat themselves
- feeling like people are mumbling
- difficulty hearing the telephone or doorbell
- turning up the volume on the television or radio
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis. Presbycusis is a progressive condition, which means that it will gradually get worse over time. Therefore, it is important to get treatment as soon as possible to prevent the condition from getting worse.
How to Prevent Presbycusis
There is no cure for presbycusis, but there are ways to prevent it from getting worse. Here are some tips:
1. Get Your Hearing Checked Regularly.
If you feel you might be experiencing some hearing loss, it’s important to see a doctor or audiologist for a hearing test. They can help identify the type and severity of your hearing loss and determine the best course of treatment.
2. Avoid Loud Noise.
Exposure to loud noise is one of the most common causes of presbycusis. To protect your hearing, avoid loud noises whenever possible. If you can’t avoid them, wear earplugs or earmuffs to help reduce the noise.
3. Take Supplements.
Several supplements have been linked with better hearing, including omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and vitamin B12. Talk to your physician about whether these supplements might be right for you.
How to Treat Presbycusis
If you think you might have presbycusis, the first step is to see a doctor or audiologist. Your doctor or audiologist will ask about your medical history and symptoms and conduct a hearing test. If you are diagnosed with presbycusis, there are a number of treatment options available.
One treatment option is hearing aids. Hearing aids essentially amplify sound, making it easier to hear. There are several types of hearing aids available, so it’s important to work with an audiologist to find the best option for you.
Another treatment option is cochlear implants. Cochlear implants are essentially these small devices that are surgically implanted into the ear. These implants work by converting sound into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. Cochlear implants can help people with severe hearing loss or deafness.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, presbycusis is the medical term for the gradual loss of hearing that occurs as a person ages. Presbycusis is a natural part of the human aging process and is not considered a disease. Some things can be done to help manage presbycusis, such as using hearing aids or assistive listening devices. If you think you may be experiencing presbycusis, it is important to see a doctor or audiologist for a diagnosis.
Treat your presbycusis with the help of Hear More Associates. We are a hearing specialist in Massachusetts that understand that there is no “one size fits all” approach when it comes to hearing aids. We work with you to understand your unique circumstances, your lifestyle, your budget, and what you want from your hearing aids. Get in touch with us today!
