Age-related
hearing loss: A common occurrence
Newswise — For many people,
hearing loss is part of aging. Hearing loss
affects approximately one-third of people over
age 65. Among people age 75 and older, 40
percent to 50 percent experience hearing loss.
The August issue of Mayo Clinic
Health Letter covers what changes occur with
age-related hearing loss and when it’s time to
visit a doctor to discuss ways to improve
communication.
Age-related hearing loss, called
presbycusis (pre-bih-KU-sis), usually occurs
gradually and affects both ears equally.
Presbycusis is most commonly associated with
changes in the inner ear, typically involving
the loss of some of the tiny receptor hair cells
found in the snail-shaped cochlea.
Age-related hearing loss tends to
run in families, but the cumulative effect of
loud noise and some medications can harm
hearing, too. Drugs linked to hearing loss
include gentamicin, an intravenous antibiotic
typically used for severe infection; cisplatin,
a chemotherapy agent; and some diuretic drugs,
such as furosemide (Lasix).
With presbycusis, the ability to
hear high-pitched sounds is usually affected
first. The voices of women and children can be
more difficult to understand. Some people with
presbycusis find loud noises and sounds
especially annoying. It also can be accompanied
by ringing or buzzing in the ears.
When hearing loss is suspected,
it’s a good idea to visit a primary care doctor
or an ear, nose and throat specialist to
determine if any treatable conditions are
contributing to hearing loss. An audiologist can
confirm presbycusis and offer ways to improve
communication, including behavior changes, the
use of hearing aids, or both.
