Why Is It Hard to Hear as I Age?

If you’re over the age of 65, there’s a one in three chance you experience age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis. Since hearing loss is often a gradual change, most people are not aware of it at first.

What Causes Presbycusis?

We often lose the ability to hear high-pitched noises such as the microwave but keep the ability to hear low-pitched noises, such as thunder. This happens due to changes within our:

• Inner ear – Turns vibrations into nerve signals to our brain, controls balance (equilibrium), and declines in function as we age due to loss of hair cells
• Middle ear – Thins and stiffens as we age, impacting our ability to hear
• Nerve pathways to the brain – Carry noise signals more slowly the older we get

Other Hearing-Loss Factors

Many situations can damage your hearing or lead to loss of the hairs and nerve cells in your inner ear, such as:

• Ear wax buildup
• Exposure to loud noises that damage your ear structure
• High fever or other illnesses that damage the structure of your ear
• Genes and family history
• Occupational noises
• Recreational noises
• Side effects of some medications

Signs of Age-Related Hearing Loss

Talk to your doctor or an ear, nose, and throat specialist if difficulty hearing impacts you daily. If you have age-related hearing loss, you may:

• Ask others often to speak more clearly, loudly, or slowly
• Avoid social settings or shy away from conversations
• Have problems hearing a conversation when there is background noise
• Have trouble telling the difference between certain sounds
• Hear muffling of speech and other sounds
• Have trouble hearing letters consonants, like H, G, T, B, and Z
• Need to turn up the volume of the television or radio

Ways to Improve Your Hearing

Hearing loss is typically not reversible, but hearing devices and treatment are available. Your doctor can help determine what option is best for you. Depending on the severity of your hearing loss and your preferences, you may receive:

• Hearing aid if your hearing loss results from damage to your inner ear
• Ear wax removal treatment to treat the only reversible cause of hearing loss
• Surgery to repair the structure of your ear or provide tubes to prevent infections and help your ears drain excess fluid
• Cochlear implants to stimulate the hearing nerves by bypassing the part of your ear that isn’t working properly

Hearing Loss Care

Let your doctor know if you have concerns about your ability to hear. Schedule an appointment online with a primary care provider or call 703.717.7100.