Hearing loss common as adults age, but few recognize it’s happening
Most adults experience some degree of hearing loss as they age, but few recognize its progression until it affects their quality of life.
Age-related hearing loss — known as Presbycusis — is a complex progressive condition that often develops over a period of years and affects a person’s ability to hear high frequency sound in both ears, said Dr. Chioma Eze, with Centerville Family Medicine
A person’s quality of hearing diminishes with age for the same reason other parts of the body experience issues that come with age, Dr. Eze said.
“There are little bone cells and hair cells inside the ear that degenerate as we age,” said Dr. Eze, who practices with Premier Physician Network. “Research has found a loss of nerve functioning in the fibers and cells inside the ear.”
Age-related hearing loss can start as early as 45 years of age; however, it’s estimated that 43 percent of adults between the ages of 65 and 84 years of age have been diagnosed with it, Dr. Eze said. In fact, the World Health Organization said that by 2025, of the 1.2 billion people worldwide older than age 60, close to half will experience some type of hearing loss.
Hearing loss often happens over time and isn’t immediately noticed, so it often takes years before it is diagnosed.
“It usually takes a spouse or a friend who recognizes it and confronts the person about the issue,” Dr. Eze said. “There are other times when the hearing loss can come with other issues like tinnitus or ringing in the ear or vertigo, which is a spinning sensation.
Some can have it so severe that they become unsteady on their feet and fall.”
Still, Dr. Eze said she never assumes hearing loss in older patients is simply related to age. The issue is always thoroughly evaluated to rule out other things such as impaction of ear wax or acute infections, which can cause hearing loss. Once those are ruled out, a patient may be referred to an ENT specialist to undergo an audiogram, which provides a final diagnosis of the problem.
Hearing aids are the best way to treat hearing loss and are the first course of treatment. Those who cannot tolerate hearing aids can talk with their health care provider about cochlear implants. Other options include the use of assistive listening devices or aural rehabilitation.
Treating hearing loss is paramount, as it can significantly affect a person’s quality of life as well as personal relationships.
“It’s one of the senses that actually allows you to live, exist, and function properly,” Dr. Eze said. “And if that’s taken away, it just puts you at risk for many things. Someone who cannot hear properly will have a difficult time functioning in society. It’s important that they get the issue treated.”
Unfortunately, many older adults are hesitant to get their hearing loss treated because they believe it carries a stigma or signals their aging.
“I’ve had many patients who have been prescribed a hearing aid and they come in to see me and they aren’t wearing it,” Dr. Eze sad. “When I ask them why, they say it’s because it makes them look older.”