What is Presbycusis?

Hearing impairments can be caused in many different ways, from illness to genetic conditions to exposure to loud noises. When it occurs gradually with age, it is known as presbycusis. This is is a very common problem; about 35% of people between the ages of 65 and 75 suffer interruptions of their daily lives caused by presbycusis.

Because the onset of symptoms is so gradual, many people with this condition do not realize they are losing their hearing at first. If you have noticed any increased difficulty understanding others or hearing certain sounds, you may benefit from medical help. To learn more about your hearing health options, call a hearing aid consultant from HearingPlanet at 1-800-432-7669.

Symptoms of Presbycusis

Presbycusis usually affects a person’s ability to hear high pitched sounds clearly. Common symptoms among people with this disorder include:

• Difficulty understanding speech, even if they can hear it
• More difficulty hearing women’s and children’s voices than men’s
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Decreased ability to hear high pitched sounds like birdsong
• Difficulty distinguishing between certain sounds, like “s” and “th”

These symptoms can make it difficult to enjoy entertainment like music or movies, conduct conversations, or receive important information. Fortunately, help is available.

Living with Presbycusis

The solution to hearing loss may vary depending on its underlying causes. Many people with presbycusis benefit from the use of products like hearing aids and telephone amplifiers. Some also study speech reading, which is the process of watching a person’s mouth for clues about what he is saying.

There are many different kinds of hearing aids on the market today, designed for different hearing problems and lifestyles. An experienced audiologist can help you find the most effective and comfortable hearing aid for you.

Contact Us

If you or someone you love is struggling to cope with the effects of hearing loss, we can help. The hearing aid experts at HearingPlanet can help you find the solution to hearing loss today. Contact us at 1-800-432-7669.