Age related hearing loss advice

Symptoms, prevention and treatment for age related hearing loss

Age related hearing loss

Aging is the most common natural cause of hearing loss – also known as Presbycusis.

In the UK, 71% of people over the age of 70 have a hearing loss, yet only about 40% of people who need hearing aids have them.

As we get older, degeneration in the inner ear and along the nerve pathways to the brain can impact our hearing. Hair cells in our inner ear translate the sound waves our ears collect and send electrical signals to our brain for it to interpret as recognisable sound. Because hair cells do not regenerate or regrow, any hearing loss we experience from damage to them from noise exposure, medical conditions or genetics perhaps, is permanent.

The symptoms of age related hearing loss

Because Presbycusis occurs gradually, many people don’t recognise the symptoms and it often takes those around them to highlight that there could be a problem that needs identifying or treating.

Common symptoms to look out for are:

People seemingly mumbling so you can hear them but you can’t understand them
Conversations that are difficult to understand, especially when in noisy surroundings
Difficulty hearing higher pitched sounds like a phone ringing or birds singing
Men’s voices being easier to understand than those of women or children
A constant or intermittent ringing or buzzing sound in your ears
Finding it hard to hear when on the phone
Intolerance to loud sounds
Asking people to repeat themselves
Needing to turn up the TV volume

Preventing age related hearing loss

It’s not possible to completely prevent age related hearing loss, especially if it’s a genetic or hereditary loss, but there are certainly steps you can take in your lifestyle to reduce the risks:

Check the medications you’re taking and if there is any link to hearing loss, ask your GP to prescribe an alternative.
Conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes can contribute to hearing loss, so if you think you are suffering from these, don’t leave them untreated.
Protect yourself from exposure to loud noises (at 85 decibels or more) that can permanently damage your hearing, by wearing ear plugs or ear protection around noisy equipment, or reducing the volume of your music. If you can’t reduce the noise or protect your ears, move away from the loud noise.

Is it dangerous to ignore hearing loss?

Untreated hearing loss can affect your cognitive health and can increase the risk of social isolation, depression and injury-causing falls. When your ability to hear gets worse, your brain receives less stimulation that it would in normal circumstances, because it’s not working to identify different sounds and situations. Over time, this lack of brain exercise can lead to memory loss and even dementia. Find out about hearing loss and dementia.

Good news: it's treatable

It’s not all doom and gloom however, as age related hearing loss is highly treatable and hearing aids work well for most older adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. And for those with more severe loss, cochlear implants are an increasingly popular option.

It’s easy to find out if you’re suffering from age related hearing loss. Simply book a hearing test with our audiologist in your local independent optician’s practice.

Once your audiologist knows the level of your loss, they’ll be able to talk through your options for clearer hearing with you. Finding out you’re experiencing hearing loss and receiving treatment can rarely reverse damage, but it can:

Make your life easier.
Slow down your hearing loss by knowing and addressing the root cause.
Help your mental sharpness, as hearing loss can impair the brain’s ability to process sound and recognise speech.
Help the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, according to recent studies.

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What our patients say

Paddy Miskelly

“Myself and my wife go to see Katie most helpful explained everything in simple terms would highly recommend to anyone”

Mairead Diamond

“I am delighted to leave a review for Katie, Optometrist at BH McKeague, Ballymena. I was very unsure about choosing my hearing aids and about how these would perform better than my NHS ones. I cannot believe how good my Starkey AI bte hearing aids are. Katie had such patience, gave me very explicit instructions and I was completely confident I had chosen the right ones. Having no batteries was a big plus. I know if I have any issues Katie has assured me to get in touch at any time.“

Helen Murphy

“Had my first ever hearing test with Ciara Donnan at True Tone hearing today. I was put at ease immediately and the assessment process was outlined so I was aware of what was going to happen. Each part of the assessment was explained at each stage and Ciara went over my results with me, explaining the results and recommending options where required. I can’t recommend Ciara highly enough; she was very friendly, knowledgeable and put things in terms I could understand. An excellent experience.“

Michael Blake

“Ciara, thank you so much for your support and expertise. I will be happy to let you know how I get on and keep you posted. Your interest and commitment to what you are doing with great professionalism is beyond question. All the best in the future.“

Peter Simpson

“I recently had a tricky hearing problem. Nicole quickly identified the problem and how to fix it. She was friendly and professional. A great experience and she went well over and above the call of duty.”

Geoff Hill

“Nicole is a genius. After she ‘hoovered’ my ears for wax yesterday, I came home and listened to my astonishing hi-fi, and it was like having an upgrade. And a lot cheaper than getting a new hi-fi!!”

Ann Malley

“Had an appointment with brogans ear testing today. Ciara was fantastic ,great sense of humour and put me at ease explaining all procedures. Great facility and information to assist my decisions. I’ll be back for regular check ups! Thanks Ciara“

Gerald Hewitt

“Ciara deserves 5 stars for her professional manner, clear analysis, excellent advice and friendly disposition. Highly recommended.“

Harry Childs

“Before meeting Shane Thompson at True Tone, I spent around £5,000 over 5 years with two leading audiologists, without any real improvement in my hearing. Shane gave me an extensive hearing test and helped cure an ongoing ear infection for me. His extreme care and attention, with my new True Tone hearing aids, has given me back a level of hearing I thought I wouldn’t have again.”

Francis Hickinson

“My wife and mother in law was in on Wednesday and Katie could not have been more helpful and caring during our treatment. We would highly recommend for anyone needing this service.she really made my mother in law who is 93 feel very comfortable and well looked after.the best service and care I have ever received. Very professional and caring”

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