Hearing loss that occurs gradually as you age (presbycusis) is very common. Aging and chronic exposure to loud noises will contribute to hearing loss. Other factors, such as excessive earwax can temporarily reduce how well your ears conduct sound. Most types of hearing loss cannot be reversed. However, you and your Audiologist can take steps to improve what you hear.
What is Presbycusis?
Presbycusis also known as Age-related hearing loss which is a decrease in the hearing ability that happens with age. In most cases, hearing loss affects both ears and can begin at the early ages of thirty or forty and worsen gradually over time.
Age-related hearing loss will first affect the ability to hear high-frequency sounds, such as speech. Affected people will find it very difficult to understand what others are saying, especially when there is background noise. However, because hearing loss happens gradually, many people do not realise they cannot hear as well as they used to, and will find themselves gradually turning up the television volume or may start speaking louder than normal without being aware of it.
Signs and Symptoms of age-related hearing loss
- Muffling of speech and other sounds
- Difficulty understanding words, especially against background noise or being in a crowd
- Trouble hearing consonants
- Frequently asking others to speak more slowly, clearly and loudly
- Needing to turn up the volume on devices, such as television, radio and mobile phone
- Withdrawal from conversations
- Avoiding most social settings
Age-related hearing loss can significantly affect one’s quality of life. If you notice any of the mentioned symptoms, scheduling an appointment with our Adelaide Audiologists is an excellent first step towards enhancing your hearing and enriching your life.
