What does the diagnosis “presbycusis” mean for the affected?

Precisely, the term presbycusis stands for hearing loss in older people. This is typically a bilateral, symmetrical, progressive sensorineural hearing loss at higher frequencies.

Hearing automatically decreases with age, starting around the age of 50. How quickly or severely this so-called age-related hearing loss develops, varies individually.

The following factors can lead to a significant deviation of the normal physiological aging process – they can accelerate and sometimes even cause progressive hearing loss:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Diabetes
  • Circulation disorders
  • Prolonged noise exposure
  • Infections
  • Metabolic problems
  • High blood pressure
  • Nerve damage
  • Accidents
  • Ototoxic medications
  • Diet
  • Alcohol
  • Smoking

Untreated hearing loss significantly impacts the quality of life of those affected. The lack of communication can lead to loneliness and depression. Likewise, the age-related hearing loss is directly related to the development of dementia, as well as an increased risk of disease in general, due to deteriorated doctor-patient communication.

Thus, early detection and treatment of hearing loss are extremely important for those affected. In addition to different medical treatment options, hearing aids or hearing implants are at the top of the list.

A visit to an ENT specialist is required for the right diagnosis and accurate assessment of the severity of hearing loss. After an examination of the external auditory canal and the eardrum and after excluding other or existing diseases, a hearing test is performed in a soundproof booth.. The result is documented in a so-called audiogram. Once the elderly patient reaches the critical level of hearing loss, the physician will likely diagnose him/her with presbycusis.

You can find out all about the treatment options available in the event of a diagnosis of presbycusishere: https://www.hoerverlust.at/en/pension/therapy/

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Presbycusis – hearing loss in older age