Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is the gradual loss of hearing that occurs as we age. It is a very common condition, affecting approximately one in three adults between ages 65 and 74, while nearly half of people over age 75 have difficulty hearing.

This condition usually occurs gradually and most commonly affects both ears. Many people will not notice the change immediately and may not seek treatment until communication with others has become significantly more difficult.

As hearing loss progresses, it may become harder to hear everyday sounds and follow conversations with family and friends. These difficulties can negatively impact daily life and may contribute to feelings of isolation.

Fortunately, there are effective ways to manage age-related hearing loss and make everyday communication easier.

What is presbycusis?

Presbycusis is the medical term for age-related hearing loss. It develops gradually as changes occur within the hearing system as we get older.

Age-related hearing loss commonly affects both ears and often makes high-pitched sounds more difficult to hear. Because the changes usually happen slowly, it can be difficult to recognize hearing loss at first.

You may notice that you can hear someone speaking but have trouble understanding exactly what they are saying, particularly when there is background noise.

What are the causes of age-related hearing loss?

There may be many causes of presbycusis, and it can be difficult to distinguish between hearing loss that occurs as a natural result of aging and hearing loss caused by the cumulative effects of exposure to loud noises.

Most commonly, presbycusis occurs because of age-related changes within the inner ear, middle ear or along the nerve pathways to the brain.

Other factors that may contribute to hearing loss in older adults include:

• Changes in the inner ear: The sensory hair cells and other structures involved in hearing can change over time.
• Long-term exposure to loud noise: Years of exposure to loud sounds can contribute to permanent hearing damage.
• Hereditary factors: Genetics can influence a person’s likelihood of developing hearing loss.
• Certain health conditions: Conditions such as heart disease and diabetes may be associated with hearing loss.
• Certain medications: Some medications are considered ototoxic, meaning they can potentially damage structures within the ear.

Often, more than one factor contributes to hearing loss as a person gets older.

What are the symptoms of age-related hearing loss?

The hearing loss that comes with increasing age can cause a variety of frustrating symptoms. It may become difficult to follow conversations, especially in noisy environments, and others may seem to mumble or not speak clearly.

High-pitched sounds in particular may become harder to distinguish, and lower-pitched voices may seem easier to understand than higher-pitched voices. Misunderstandings and the need to ask others to repeat themselves may become increasingly common.

Common symptoms of age-related hearing loss can include:

• Difficulty following conversations, particularly with background noise
• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
• Feeling that other people are mumbling
• Difficulty hearing higher-pitched sounds or voices
• Turning up the volume on the television, phone or radio
• Difficulty hearing everyday sounds such as phones, alarms or doorbells
• Feeling tired after concentrating on conversations
• Ringing or buzzing in one or both ears, known as tinnitus

Over time, struggling to communicate can become frustrating and tiring and may cause some people to withdraw from conversations or social situations.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, a hearing screening can help you better understand your hearing.

How is age-related hearing loss diagnosed?

If you think you have age-related hearing loss, the first step is to have your hearing evaluated by a qualified hearing care professional.

During a hearing screening, your hearing care professional can assess how well you hear different sounds and understand speech. They may also ask about your medical history, medications, noise exposure and the situations in which you have the most difficulty hearing.

The results can help determine the type and degree of hearing loss and which treatment options may be appropriate for your specific needs.

Can age-related hearing loss be reversed?

Age-related hearing loss is generally permanent. Presbycusis most commonly involves changes within the inner ear and hearing pathways that cannot be reversed.

However, that doesn’t mean nothing can be done about it.

There are several ways to manage hearing loss, and many people benefit from hearing aids and other hearing technologies that make sounds and conversations easier to hear.

What are the available treatments?

Treatment for age-related hearing loss depends on the severity of your hearing loss and your individual hearing needs.

Most patients with age-related hearing loss can benefit from hearing aids that are appropriate for their needs. Your hearing care professional can help you choose a device based on the degree of your hearing loss, the situations in which you have difficulty hearing, your lifestyle and your personal preferences.

Assistive listening devices, such as telephone amplification devices and TV listening systems, may also be useful.

For people with more severe hearing loss who receive limited benefit from hearing aids, other treatment options may be considered. A hearing care professional can help determine which options may be appropriate based on the type and severity of hearing loss.

With the wide range of hearing care technologies available today, there are many ways to manage age-related hearing loss and make everyday communication easier.

Hearing aids for age-related hearing loss

Hearing aids are one of the most common treatment options for age-related hearing loss.

Modern hearing aids are designed to make important sounds easier to hear and can help improve speech understanding in different listening environments. Depending on the model, hearing aids may also offer features such as background noise management, rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone controls.

There is no single hearing aid that is best for everyone with presbycusis. The right option depends on factors such as:

• Your type and degree of hearing loss
• Your lifestyle and typical listening environments
• Your comfort and dexterity
• Your preferences for size and appearance
• The technology and connectivity features you want
• Your budget and insurance coverage

How to prevent age-related hearing loss

It isn’t always possible to prevent the changes in hearing associated with aging. However, you can take steps throughout your life to help protect your hearing and reduce your risk of additional hearing damage.

Protect your hearing from loud noise

Repeated or prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage your hearing. Use appropriate hearing protection when you’re around loud machinery, power tools, concerts or other high-noise environments.

Keep the volume at a safe level

Listening to music or other audio at high volumes for long periods can contribute to hearing damage. Keep headphone and earbud volumes at a comfortable level and take breaks from prolonged listening.

Take care of your overall health

Certain health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes, may be associated with hearing loss. Following your healthcare provider’s recommendations for managing your overall health can also support your hearing health.

Talk to your healthcare provider about medications

Some medications can potentially affect hearing. If you’re concerned about a medication you’re taking, talk with your healthcare provider. Do not stop taking prescribed medication without medical guidance.

Have your hearing checked

Hearing loss often develops gradually, making changes difficult to notice. Regular hearing checks can help establish a baseline and identify changes in your hearing over time.

When should you get your hearing checked?

You don’t have to wait until hearing loss significantly interferes with your daily life to have your hearing checked.

Consider scheduling a hearing screening if you:

• Frequently ask people to repeat themselves
• Have trouble following conversations in noisy environments
• Regularly turn up the television or phone volume
• Feel that people are mumbling
• Have difficulty hearing certain voices or sounds
• Experience persistent ringing or buzzing in your ears
• Have family or friends who have noticed changes in your hearing

Identifying hearing loss earlier can help you understand your options and find strategies that make everyday communication easier.

Don’t let age-related hearing loss hold you back

Age-related hearing loss is common, but struggling to hear doesn’t have to become your new normal.

If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, a professional hearing screening can help you understand what you’re experiencing and what options are available.

Schedule a complimentary hearing screening at a My Hearing Centers location near you and take the first step toward better hearing.

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