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Age-related hearing loss?
DefinitionAge-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, is the slow loss of hearing that occurs as people get older.Alternative NamesHearing loss - age related; PresbycusisCauses, incidence, and risk factorsTiny hairs inside your ear help you hear. They pick up sound waves and change them into the nerve signals that the brain interprets as sound. Hearing loss occurs when the tiny hairs inside the ear are damaged or die. The hair cells do not regrow, so most hearing loss is permanent.There is no known single cause for age-related hearing loss. Most commonly, it is caused by changes in the inner ear that occur as you grow older. However, your genes and loud noises (such as from rock concerts or music headphones) may play a large role.The following factors contribute to age-related hearing loss:Family history (age-related hearing loss tends to run in families)Repeated exposure to loud noisesSmoking (smokers are more likely to have such hearing loss than nonsmokers)Certain medical conditions and medications also contribute to age-related hearing loss. About half of all people over age 75 have some amount of age-related hearing loss.SymptomsThe loss of hearing occurs slowly over time. It is most difficult to hear high-frequency sounds, such as someone talking. As hearing gets worse, it may become difficult to hear sounds at lower pitches.Symptoms include:Certain sounds seem overly loudDifficulty hearing things in noisy areasHigh-pitched sounds such as "s" or "th" are hard to distinguish from one anotherMen's voices are easier to hear than womens.Other people's voices sound mumbled or slurredRinging in the earsThe symptoms of presbycusis may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Talk to you health care provider if you have any of these symptoms.Signs and testsA complete physical exam is performed to rule out medical conditions that can cause hearing loss. The health care provider will use an instrument called an otoscope to look in your ears. Sometimes, wax can block the ear canals and cause hearing loss.You may be sent to an ear, nose, and throat doctor and a hearing specialist (audiologist). Hearing tests can help determine the extent of hearing loss.TreatmentThere is no known cure for age-related hearing loss. Treatment is focused on improving your everyday function. The following may be helpful:Hearing aidsTelephone amplifiers and other assistive devicesSign language (for those with severe hearing loss)Speech reading (such as lip reading and using visual cues to aid communication)A cochlear implant may be recommended for certain people with very severe hearing loss. Surgery is done to place the implant. The implant makes sounds seem louder, but does not restore normal hearing.Expectations (prognosis)Age-related hearing loss is progressive, which means it slowly gets worse. The hearing loss is permanent.ComplicationsHearing loss can result in both physical (not hearing a fire alarm) and psychological (social isolation) problems.The hearing loss may lead to deafness.Calling your health care providerHearing loss should be evaluated as soon as possible to rule out potentially reversible causes such as too much wax in the ear or medication side effects. It is also helpful to have a baselines hearing test so your doctor can note any changes that may occur in the future.Contact your health care provider immediately if you have a sudden change in your hearing or hearing loss with other symptoms such as headache, vision changes, or dizziness.Reviewed ByReview Date: 12/13/2010Michael Langan, M.D. Department of Geriatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Why could a persons hearing get worse as they get older?
Aging can lead to changes in the inner ear structures, such as the deterioration of hair cells and reduced blood flow, resulting in gradual hearing loss. Exposure to loud noises over time, genetics, medical conditions, and certain medications can also contribute to age-related hearing loss. Regular hearing screenings and protection from loud noises can help prevent further deterioration.
What might cause Sudden loss of muscle tone and weight gain?
A sudden loss of muscle tone and weight gain can be caused by conditions such as hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, or medication side effects. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
What type od psychologist would be interested in memory loss in elderly individuals?
A neuropsychologist would likely be interested in memory loss in elderly individuals, as they specialize in the relationship between the brain and behavior. This type of psychologist would assess cognitive functioning, including memory, to better understand and address memory loss in older adults. Additionally, a geropsychologist, who focuses on the mental health and well-being of elderly individuals, may also be interested in memory loss in this population.
Is there an oral electronic thermometer with a loud beep for paople hard of hearing.?
Yes, there are oral electronic thermometers on the market that feature a loud beep for individuals who are hard of hearing. These thermometers typically have adjustable volume settings or visual alerts like flashing lights in addition to the audible beep to accommodate different user needs. It's important to check the product specifications or consult with the manufacturer to ensure the thermometer meets the specific requirements for hearing-impaired users.
How can a bacterial infection cause hearing loss?
Sudden hearing loss--at least 30dB in less than three days--is most commonly caused by cochleitis, a mysterious viral infection.
What is progressive and sudden hearing loss?
Progressive hearing loss happens gradually over time. You may notice sounds becoming quieter or harder to understand as months or years go by. This type of hearing loss is often linked to aging, exposure to loud noise, or other long-term factors. Sudden hearing loss, on the other hand, occurs quickly, often within a day or even a few hours. You might wake up one morning and find that you can’t hear out of one ear. It can be caused by infections, injury, or other unexpected factors, and it’s important to get medical help right away if it happens.
Who would you see for sudden hair loss?
You should see your doctor for sudden hair loss.
What causes sudden hearing loss and swelling of one side of face?
An ear infection can cause minimal swelling to moderate swelling around the ear, and can also cause hearing loss that can become permanent.
What diagnostic procedure would be used to measure the patients hearing loss?
Audiology Hearing Test.
What is the scientific name for deafness?
The scientific term for deafness is "hearing loss" or "hearing impairment." It can be categorized based on the severity and type, such as conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, or mixed hearing loss.
Are hearing loss and hearing impairment the same thing?
No. Hearing loss depends on the decibel listened to and the period of time. Everyone is prone to having hearing loss.
What could cause sudden hearing loss in one ear?
Many drugs can cause temporary hearing loss..or intermittent hearing loss. Aspirin causes a ringing in the ears called tinnitus and various syndromes cause hearing loss such as Meniere's disease. Concussion, allergies and ear infection are also culprits.
Can Syphillis cause hearing loss?
No, chlamydia does not cause hearing loss.
What sounds can be dangerous?
Sounds that are excessively loud or prolonged, such as fireworks, concerts, or heavy machinery, can lead to hearing damage or loss. Additionally, sudden loud noises like explosions or gunshots can cause immediate harm to hearing.
Can you get ssi if you have hearing loss?
Unlikely. It would need to make you unemployable.
When was Action on Hearing Loss created?
Action on Hearing Loss was created in 1911.
