A Guide to Presbycusis

Presbycusis, also known as hearing loss due to aging, is very common actually and most older people have experienced it to some extent. People with hearing loss are not actually deaf and can still hear all kinds of sounds. Usually, in particular, it affects the perception of high-pitched sounds and speech. Since hearing loss is gradual, many people may not even realize that it is happening until much later. Visit a hearing health professional for an assessment, just in case. As we age, the inner ear gets damaged by wear and tear. Repeated exposure to noise, such as noisy machinery, traffic or music, can damage the cochlea or the fine hairs on the auditory nerve. Incorrect transmission of electrical signals can cause hearing loss.

What Are the Symptoms of Presbycusis?

If you have presbycusis, you may experience:

• Cannot hear soft or high-pitched voices.
• Not understanding words, especially when there is background noise.
• Others seem to be mumbling or talking badly.
• Need to turn up the volume of the TV or radio or people who often ask you to turn down the volume.

These events usually occur in both ears.

How Do You Treat Age-Related Hearing Loss?

Unfortunately, hearing loss is often irreversible, except for easily removed earwax blockage. However, most people will be helped somewhat by hearing aids, which make the sound louder and easier to hear. There are several device types which include digital hearing aids converts sound into digital format and processes it. These hearing aids are very small. Then behind-the-ear hearing aid is usually located behind the ear, hence the name, although there are also models that are placed on the ear or barely visible in the ear canal. The type required depends on the specific type of hearing loss. If the damage to the inner ear is more severe, an electronic device called a cochlear implant may be needed. If you have hearing loss, these tips can improve social interaction:

• Look at the person you are talking to.
• Turn off background noise to avoid noisy and crowded surroundings.
• Clear and distinct enunciation.
• Try lip reading in conjunction with gestures.

When talking to someone with hearing loss, try to get the persons attention before you begin, look directly at them and maintain eye contact. So, they know you are talking to them. Try not to exaggerate the movements of your lips, it may make it harder for them to read your lips. Speak at a normal tone and pace. Most hearing loss is irreversible. However, there are some medical procedures, modern equipment and coping skills that can improve a person’s quality of life and delay or prevent further setbacks.