Hearing & Eye Age-Related Diseases

Full Answer Section

    Signs and symptoms of presbycusis:

• Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, such as children's voices or birdsong
• Difficulty hearing consonants, such as "s" and "f"
• Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments
• Having to turn up the volume on the television or radio
• Asking people to repeat themselves
• Feeling like people are mumbling

Presbycusis can also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and vertigo (dizziness). Causes of presbycusis: The exact cause of presbycusis is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including:

• Age: Presbycusis is the most common type of hearing loss, affecting approximately one-third of adults over the age of 65.
• Genetics: Some people are more genetically predisposed to developing presbycusis than others.
• Noise exposure: Exposure to loud noise over time can damage the hair cells in the inner ear and lead to presbycusis.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease, can increase the risk of developing presbycusis.
• Medications: Some medications can damage the hair cells in the inner ear and lead to presbycusis.

Diagnosis of presbycusis: Presbycusis is typically diagnosed by a hearing healthcare professional, such as an audiologist or otolaryngologist. The diagnosis will be based on the patient's medical history, a physical examination, and a hearing test. Treatment of presbycusis: There is no cure for presbycusis, but there are a number of things that can be done to improve hearing and communication. These include:

• Hearing aids: Hearing aids are devices that amplify sound and make it easier to hear.
• Cochlear implants: Cochlear implants are surgically implanted devices that bypass the damaged hair cells in the inner ear and stimulate the auditory nerve directly.
• Assistive listening devices: Assistive listening devices can amplify sound in specific environments, such as classrooms, auditoriums, and places of worship.
• Communication strategies: Communication strategies can help people with hearing loss to communicate more effectively. These strategies include speaking slowly and clearly, facing the person you are speaking to, and reducing background noise.

Prevention of presbycusis: There is no way to completely prevent presbycusis, but there are a number of things that can be done to reduce the risk of developing hearing loss, including:

• Protecting your ears from loud noise: Wear earplugs or earmuffs when exposed to loud noise, such as when using power tools or attending concerts.
• Managing medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease, can increase the risk of developing presbycusis. It is important to manage these conditions carefully to reduce the risk of hearing loss.
• Avoiding medications that can damage the hearing: Some medications can damage the hair cells in the inner ear and lead to presbycusis. Talk to your doctor about the potential side effects of any medications you are taking.

If you are concerned about hearing loss, it is important to see a hearing healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation.  

Sample Answer

    Presbycusis is the gradual loss of hearing that occurs with age. It is the most common type of hearing loss, affecting approximately one-third of adults over the age of 65. Presbycusis is caused by changes in the inner ear, including the loss of hair cells and damage to the nerves that transmit sound signals to the brain.