Age-Related Hearing Loss

Age Related Hearing Loss

As the "baby boomer" generation ages, the number of older adults in the United States is rapidly increasing. With this shift, more people are experiencing age-related health issues, one of the most common being hearing loss. It’s important to understand how hearing loss affects aging adults and why it’s important to address the problem.

The Impact of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss becomes more prevalent as we age, and it’s the third most common chronic condition among older adults. For many, hearing issues begin quietly, often unnoticed or dismissed as simply part of getting older. However, untreated hearing loss can lead to significant challenges in communication, independence, and even mental health.

What is Age-related Hearing Loss (ARHL)?

Age-related hearing loss is a gradual decline in hearing that affects most people as they grow older. It typically begins slowly, so individuals may not immediately recognize that their hearing is deteriorating. Subsequently, this can make it harder to understand conversations, especially in noisy environments.

The Effects of ARHL

When left unaddressed, ARHL can have serious consequences. It can make it difficult to follow conversations, reduce independence, and increase the risk of cognitive conditions, such as dementia. As hearing diminishes, it can lead to frustration and social withdrawal, further contributing to isolation and depression.

Recognizing the Signs of Hearing Loss

If you have ARHL, sounds may seem less clear and lower in volume. Hearing loss symptoms, the speech of others may seem muted, mumbled or slurred. Adults with hearing loss generally experience the following symptoms:

Difficulty separating high-pitched sounds like “s” or “th”.
Difficulty understanding speech, especially in background noise.
Male voices become easier to understand than higher frequency women’s voices.
Certain sounds may seem too loud.
Tinnitus (a ringing, roaring, or hissing sound) may develop.

Differences Between Men and Women

Men and women tend to experience hearing loss differently. Men often struggle more with high-pitched sounds (like "s" and "f"), while women are more likely to have difficulty hearing lower-pitched vowel sounds. This difference in hearing loss can make understanding speech, especially in noisy settings, more difficult.

What Causes Age-Related Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss due to aging is primarily caused by changes in the inner ear. As we get older, the tiny hair cells in the cochlea, which are responsible for transmitting sound to the brain, can become damaged or die. In addition to aging, factors like genetics, exposure to loud noises, certain medications, smoking, and chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes can also contribute to hearing loss.

The Consequences of Untreated Hearing Loss

If left untreated, hearing loss can lead to cognitive decline and emotional disorders such as dementia, self-imposed isolation, and depression. A recent study by Dr. Frank Lin, MD, PhD, at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine found a strong link between untreated hearing loss and the development of dementia.

As hearing deteriorates, the brain must work harder to process sound, which can strain cognitive abilities and contribute to memory loss. Also, hearing loss can lead to social isolation, depression, and a decrease in overall quality of life.

Why We Need to Pay Attention

While it might seem like a minor inconvenience, untreated hearing loss is much more than that. It can affect physical, emotional, and mental health, leading to difficulties in daily life and strained relationships.

Given the aging population and the increasing rates of hearing loss, it’s clear that this is a critical issue for public health. Addressing hearing loss early can help prevent long-term health problems and improve the quality of life for older adults.

The consequences of untreated hearing loss are covered in depth, here.

We Listen - We Hear You - We Care!

Q: When did you discover that you had a hearing loss?

A: I was first tested when I was a freshman in high school. That’s when I was diagnosed with a significant hearing loss, due primarily to shooting sports.

Charles Bartlemay

Q: What would you tell others who suspect they have a hearing problem?

A: Don’t wait! My advice? Go in, get your hearing checked and get some help because it will change your life. Of course, It’s also important to protect your hearing!

Charles Bartlemay

Q: Why did you choose Pacific Northwest Audiology as your provider?

A: My friend Julie told me that Pacific Northwest Audiology was the best place to go. Actually, I think her words were this was the ONLY place to go!

Charles Bartlemay

Age-Related Hearing Loss