Age-related hearing loss is called presbycusis and is one of the most common changes we experience as we grow older. Nearly 1/3 of adults age 65-74 have some hearing loss. That increases to over 50% of adults over 75. Because this hearing loss is gradual, you might not even realize it is happening. Hearing loss makes it difficult to enjoy time with family and friends, to understand your doctor’s advice, and sometimes to hear phone calls, doorbells, and alarms.
There are many things that can negatively affect our hearing as we age. Exposure to loud noise, genetics, certain medications, high blood pressure, and diabetes can all impact hearing.
Normal symptoms of presbycusis include difficulty hearing high pitched sounds like women and children and consonant sounds. Voices may sound muffled or like people are mumbling. You may have noises in your ear (tinnitus). You may have more difficulty hearing in noisy places or understanding the television. This loss would be gradual over many years.
It is not normal to lose hearing suddenly or to lose hearing in just one ear. These symptoms require immediate medical attention. Pain or drainage from your ear should also be addressed medically. Severe or sudden vertigo (spinning sensation sometimes accompanied by nausea) or unilateral tinnitus should be discussed with your physician, as well.
Everyone should have a baseline hearing evaluation performed. This gives something to compare to if you have issues down the road. Gardner Audiology accepts most insurances. Your hearing health is just as important as your vision, dental care, and annual physicals. Contact Gardner Audiology at (800) 277 – 1182 to schedule a hearing test today. Gardner has 8 locations in the Tampa Bay area of Florida.
