Presbycusis

Presbycusis occurs in the later phase of life. It is characterized by a high frequency hearing loss. As our eyes and other organs changes as we grow, our ears also changes. It is normal for there to be some loss of hearing sensitivity as we get a little older, all because of the declining health in old age. It will happen to all of us in time. This change in hearing sensitivity is called presbycusis.

Evaluation is by an ENT specialist who will administer the appropriate hearing tests. There is no treatment for presbycusis. Hearing aid devices are routinely used.

What are the symptoms of Presbycusis?

With presbycusis, sounds often seem less clear and lower in volume. This contributes to difficulty hearing and understanding speech. Individuals with presbycusis may experience several of the following:

• The speech of others seems mumbled or slurred.
• High-pitched sounds such as "s" and "th" are difficult to hear and tell apart.
• Conversations are difficult to understand, especially when there is background noise.
• A man's voice is easier to hear than the higher pitches of a woman's voice.
• Certain sounds seem annoying or overly loud.
• Tinnitus (a ringing, roaring, or hissing sound in one or both ears) may also occur.

Causes of Presbycusis

There are many causes of hearing loss including genetics, meningitis, ear infections, disease, injury and drugs or medication. Two of the leading causes are presbycusis (hearing loss associated with aging) and prolonged exposure to noise.