As we grow older, a change often creeps more subtle than others: a slow decline of our hearing.
You can start to see that you are asking people to repeat yourself more often or the amount of TV should be slightly loud, as it used to be. But why does this happen?
What changes are happening inside our ears, which slowly fade our hearing – and is it just an indispensable part of aging?
We spoke with Hannah Samuels, the audiologist at Boots Hearingcare, who broke biology behind age -related hearing loss. He explained the role of delicate hair cells in the ear, the long -term effects of noise contact, and shared some useful advice on how we can protect our hearing.
What are the first signs of age -related hearing loss that people should see?
“Hearing loss is usually a long and gradual process, so it could be difficult for individuals to notice for a long time whether they are not hearing and also used,” Samuels says. “But, there are some important signs to look out, indicating the need to book a free hearing test with an audiologist.
“Some signals involve difficulty listening to conversation and keeping with conversation, asking people to repeat themselves regularly, having very loud TV for other family members, or struggling to follow the phone conversation.”
Why does the hearing fall with age? What is happening in the ear biologically?
“We as age, cells like hair in your inner ear that are important for passing sound information in your brain, are damaged-hearing losses because these hair cannot be regenerated,” Samuels explains. “It usually starts after the age of 60 and affects both ears, but we recommend that people start testing their hearing from the age of 55.
“Presbycusis refers to the gradual loss of hearing in both ears, and it is one of the most common conditions affecting old adults. Hearing this fall is a natural part of the aging process, which means that most individuals will experience some level of hearing loss because they grow up.”
How do other health conditions affect hearing as we are of age?
“If you experience a sudden hearing loss, it is important that you see a doctor as soon as possible to determine the exact cause, as it may be a flag for other health conditions,” urges Samuels. “Sudden hearing loss may be caused by some minor, such as earwaax build-up, but more and more related to issues such as infection, abnormal growth, an autoimmune disease or a head injury.”
However, hearing loss may also be associated with long -term health conditions, including depression, diabetes, dementia and heart disease, called audiologists.
“People with diabetes, for example, are likely to suffer from hearing loss, as they are as those without situations,” called Samuels. “In addition, recent studies indicate that individuals with hearing loss increase the risk of development of dementia.”
Are there things that people can do first in life so that their hearing can be protected later their hearing?
Hearing loss is a natural part of aging, but some lifestyle options may increase risk and even develop it at an earlier age.
“A person’s hobby and job can be harmful to their hearing if the correct security is not worn,” Samuels has warned.
For example, listening to music through headphones in high versions can often have harmful effects when listening to loud attendance, or even working in noise environment.
“Anything exposed to measuring more than 70 consecutive dB can cause damage to hearing after two hours of continuous noise. The noise level can damage the delicate ear fragile structures, which can cause hearing loss and tinnitus,” she explains. “Due to the fact that hearing loss is progressive and does not hurt, it often means that people do not notice issues until it is already important.”
If you are someone who makes the noise atmosphere repeatedly, good quality protective earplugs are recommended.
“Earplugs protect your hearing, which is rated with ratings (NRR) by reducing the intensity of the noise waves reaching the earright – the more effective the NRR is, the more effective the NRR is, the more effective, the more effective,” is called the audiologist. “It is a good idea to use hearing safety with filters, as they reduce the level of sound, but still enable you to hear everything.”
How is age -related hearing loss diagnosed and managed?
“Routine hearing checks should start from the age of 55, where your audiologist will take the entire examination inside your ears first, to ensure that there is no more reason for your hearing loss, and a hearing test will be given to assess your hearing loss limit,” Samails says.
“Hearing devices are generally recommended to address hearing loss, and come in a variety of styles and fittings.”
