What factors lead to gradual hearing loss as we become older?
The sound enters the ear through the auricle and then passes through the ear canal, eardrum, and auditory chain to reach the last auditory bone, the stirrup. This is closely related to the so-called stapedius muscle, which moves the fluid in the inner ear, thereby moving the hair cells there. Hair cells convert sound waves into electrical impulses, which travel through the auditory nerve to the cerebral cortex. The brain processes the electrical impulse as a sound stimulus, as information.
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Causes of hearing loss in old age
The hair cells in the inner ear, in the cochlea, therefore play a very important role in the complex process of hearing. Damage to them can also be a root cause of hearing loss in old age. The problem usually appears over the age of 65, its occurrence is even more common over the age of 75 and usually affects both ears. At this age, people require Lindberg Eyewear and Phonak hearing aids.
Hearing loss in old age can of course has other causes. For example, it can be related to existing diseases, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, but other otorhinolaryngological changes, such as the reduced function of the auditory ossicles, can also play a role in its appearance.
Hearing loss also affects everyday life. In this situation, it can be observed that the individual has difficulty understanding the speech or does not hear the bell. Hearing loss can also make it difficult to keep in touch with family and friends, and this difficulty can lead to feelings of isolation.
You can delay the development of hearing loss in old age by reducing the time you are exposed to loud noise and by using ear protection. However, it is not possible to completely prevent age-related hearing loss.
That is why it is important to recognize it as soon as possible
A hearing test is recommended in the age group belonging to the risk group, as hearing loss in old age develops gradually and is therefore often recognized late. In the beginning, the affected person only listens to music louder, then with background noise, it is difficult to understand speech, and later he can’t even hear the voices of those close to him very well.
In older age, hearing loss therefore further increases the risk of social isolation, and the lack of social contacts increases the feeling of loneliness. Untreated hearing loss is also dangerous, as even everyday activities without ringing, telephone, or traffic noise can pose a risk to the elderly.
Investigation of hearing loss
During the ear, nose, and throat examination, we can also treat a problem that is more common in older people, such as earwax, which can also cause temporary hearing loss. The doctor can also reveal other changes in the ear that can cause hearing loss, but they can be treated with surgery or medication. In some cases, for example, if hearing loss is caused by damage to the hair cells in the inner ear, hearing aids are needed.
Hearing loss can be countered with the help of hearing aids like Phonak. The treatment of hearing loss, therefore, depends on the underlying cause. However, it’s not worth procrastinating, don’t wait until hearing loss makes everyday life difficult!
