Question 1

What are the most common causes of age related hearing loss or deafness?

Accepted Answer

There are a variety of etiologies that can result in age related hearing loss. Some of these include loud noise exposure (work-related noise, loud music, or loud noise), neurological conditions, benign growths on the hearing nerve, certain drugs or medications, or autoimmune disease. Both genetic factors and environment play a role in the development of age-related hearing loss.

Today we know that age related hearing loss is one of the leading, potentially modifiable risk factors in cognitive decline. Identifying and treating hearing loss early in the process can help keep you mentally, physically, and cognitively healthy for years to come.

Question 2

Can hearing loss be corrected?

Accepted Answer

Hearing loss, in many cases, can be treated with hearing aids. However, it is not the same as vision correction. Your hearing aid will be fit to your hearing prescription. However, speech clarity may not always be resolved with volume. If the hearing loss is more neural in origin, the speech signal can seem distorted. Some find a more premium hearing aid beneficial in this case to help enhance the speech signal. Visual cues will also be advantageous to reinforce the speech signal.

Question 3

What are common signs of presbycusis?

Accepted Answer

Some of the typical age related hearing loss symptoms include:

Withdrawing from conversations
Turning up the volume on the TV
Trouble hearing in background noise
Speech lacks clarity
Frequently asking for repetition or for others to speak louder

Because age related hearing loss typically affects the high frequencies or high pitched sounds, low frequencies may be less affected. That means there may be times when you hear someone talking, but the words are not always clear. If you notice symptoms of age related hearing loss, you'll want to have a hearing test and discuss your options.

Question 4

What could cause more hearing loss in one ear?

Accepted Answer

Most commonly age related hearing loss affects both ears equally. However, some factors can cause hearing loss in one or both ears. For example, age related hearing loss may be worsened by noise induced hearing loss from loud sounds due to weapons exposure. In addition, depending on the handedness of the shooter, one ear may have more hearing loss than the other.

However, sudden hearing loss needs medical treatment. If you experience a sudden change in hearing, you'll want to reach out to your physician or an ENT specialist to receive timely treatment.

Question 5

Does presbycusis lead to severe hearing loss?

Accepted Answer

No, presbycusis does not always lead to profound deafness; however, it can significantly reduce your ability to hear clearly in noisy environments like restaurants and churches. In addition, the degree of this impairment depends on its severity; mild cases may only result in difficulty understanding speech, while more severe cases may make it difficult for you to carry on a conversation at all.

Treating your hearing loss is also essential, and the sooner you receive treatment, the better you'll be able to acquire and preserve your speech understanding. The brain is like a muscle; the more you use it and keep it processing and active, the better your overall brain health will be.

Question 6

Can aging cause sensorineural hearing loss?

Accepted Answer

Aging is one of the most common causes of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). As we age, our bodies become less able to repair damaged cells within our ears; this results in permanent changes that impair our ability to hear clearly and accurately.

Other factors contributing to SNHL include excessive exposure to loud noises (such as construction work or concerts), certain medical conditions (like Meniere’s disease), genetics, medications, head trauma, and even smoking cigarettes.

Question 7

Can hearing improve over time?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, sensorineural hearing loss is permanent in most cases and does not improve. Likewise, hearing loss that stems from the inner ear does not improve. Age related hearing loss tends to be progressive and worsens over time.

However, hearing aids can help improve your hearing and keep you more connected. Nearly half of older adults have high frequency age related hearing loss from the inner ear.

Question 8

What are my options for treatment?

Accepted Answer

We offer the latest hearing healthcare technology at House of Hearing. In addition, you'll see a hearing specialist from our talented team who is specially trained in managing hearing problems and will discuss the best options for your hearing loss.

Hearing Aids

Fortunately, there is excellent hearing technology available to help. For example, Phonak Lumity hearing aids can help you hear better, even in settings with background noise. These hearing aids also boost soft voices, which is great for listening to your grandchildren. In addition, your hearing aids will help you overcome difficulty hearing your family and friends, and you'll feel more connected to those around you.

Question 9

Can a hearing aid help me?

Accepted Answer

Please get in touch with us at House of Hearing today to talk about your options. Are you relying primarily on lip reading to help you understand? Our talented and highly trained team members are experts in hearing healthcare. Most forms of age related hearing loss can be managed well with hearing aids or assistive listening devices.

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