Presbycusis is the gradual loss of hearing in both ears, caused by aging. It’s the most common form of hearing loss worldwide, affecting approximately two-thirds of Americans aged 70 or older.
Presbycusis impacts the person’s ability to understand high-frequency parts of speech, such as consonant sounds.
If you’re struggling to hear your barista repeat your order at Scout Coffee Co., you may be developing presbycusis. You can protect your current level of hearing by understanding the symptoms.
Symptoms Of Presbycusis
The following symptoms may indicate presbycusis:
- High-pitched sounds such as “s” or “th” are hard to distinguish.
- It’s hard to hear conversations with a lot of background noise.
- When others speak it sounds slurred or mumbled.
- Men’s voices are easier to understand than women’s.
- Tinnitus, or ringing in one or both ears.
It’s important to rule out other conditions if you’re experiencing these symptoms, so talk with your doctor. They will conduct an audiogram, or hearing test, to confirm presbycusis and will also examine your ears.
How Presbycusis is Treated
Treatment options for presbycusis will vary dependent on several factors, including your overall medical history and your hearing loss severity. Your hearing specialist can work with you to create a treatment plan based on how well you’ll respond to certain treatments, taking your opinions into consideration.
Treatment options can include:
- Assistive listening devices
- Hearing aids
- Training in speech reading
- Earwax removal
Presbycusis is irreversible but can be prevented by protecting your hearing over time. Avoid loud noises and reduce your noise exposure. Take frequent breaks from noise exposure and heed warnings on your smart devices that your volume is too loud. It’s also important to wear hearing protection such as ear plugs when in places with loud noise exposure.
If you ever have sudden hearing loss, it may indicate the development of a serious hearing problem, so reach out to your doctor.
If you suspect you have presbycusis or think a loved one may have it, schedule an appointment with [contact] today.
