Hearing loss

Presbycusis, the gradual onset of hearing loss with age, is prevalent, affecting over half of Americans aged 75 and older. Hearing loss can be categorized into three types: conductive (related to issues in the outer or middle ear), sensorineural (involving the inner ear), and mixed (a combination of both). Factors like aging and exposure to loud noises contribute to this condition, along with other issues such as excessive earwax, which can temporarily impair ear function.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hearing loss may include:

• Muffling of speech and other sounds.

• Trouble understanding words, especially when in a crowd or a noisy place.

• Trouble hearing the letters of the alphabet that aren't vowels.

• Often asking others to speak more slowly, clearly and loudly.

• Needing to turn up the volume of the television or radio.

• Staying clear of some social settings.

• Being bothered by background noise.

• Ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus.

When to see a doctor

If you have a sudden loss of hearing, particularly in one ear, seek medical attention right away.

Talk to your health care provider if loss of hearing is causing you trouble. Age-related hearing loss happens little by little. So you may not notice it at first.