Hearing Loss in Older Adults
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, is a gradual and progressive loss of hearing throughout life. Although hearing loss can happen at any age, the likelihood increases as we get older. About one-third of Americans between the ages of 65 and 74, and nearly half of people older than 75, have hearing loss, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD).
Causes of presbycusis
The exact causes of age-related hearing loss are not fully understood, but several factors contribute to its development, including:
- Deterioration of hair cells in the inner ear (cochlea) that convert vibrations into sound signals for the brain
- Age-related changes to the middle ear and nerve pathways
- Genetic predisposition
- Prolonged exposure to loud noise
- Reduced blood flow to the inner ear impacting the auditory system
- Damage to cochlear sensory cells from ototoxic medications
- Medical conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes may be associated with hearing loss