Causes of Declining Ear Function in the Elderly

As you get older, you will see changes in bodily functions. One of them is the function of the ear. Age-related hearing loss is common in older people.

At least one in two over the age of 65 suffers from hearing loss. Age related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis. Even if they are not life-threatening, treatment for hearing loss must continue as well.
Causes of hearing loss in the elderly

Decreased hearing ability can deteriorate over time. Various changes in the inner ear can cause the following conditions.

Changes to the structure of the inner ear
Changes in blood flow in the ear
The capacity of the nerve decreases to react to sound
Changes in the way the brain processes speech and sound
Damage to fine hairs in the ears, which are used to transmit sound to the brain

However, decreased hearing ability in the elderly can also be caused by the factors below.

Diabetes
Poor circulation
Exposure to noise
The use of certain drugs
Families with a history of hearing loss
Smoke

Various symptoms of deafness in the elderly

Symptoms of hearing loss in the elderly, characterized by the inability to hear high-pitched sounds. For example the voices of women and children. Other symptoms that may also appear are:

Some sound as if they sound very loud
Difficulty listening in overcrowded areas
Difficulty in distinguishing "s" and "th" sounds
Ears ringing
The need to increase TV and radio sound volume is not as usual
Ask others to repeat what was said
Could not understand telephone conversation

Seek medical attention immediately if you have any of these symptoms. Because, the above conditions can also indicate other medical problems.
Types of hearing loss
Doctors classify hearing loss into several levels.
1. Mild hearing loss:

You can always understand conversations with other people, but it's hard to catch every word if the conversation happens in a crowd.
2. Moderate hearing loss:

You often ask others to repeat the words of the conversation, face to face and by telephone.
3. Severe hearing loss:

You cannot understand speech without using hearing aids.
4. Complete hearing loss:

You cannot hear other people's words, unless spoken aloud. You cannot understand what others are saying without hearing aids or cochlear implants.
Caring for Elderly Hearing Loss

There is no treatment for hearing loss in the elderly. However, doctors can recommend a number of steps to improve listening skills, such as the following.

Wear a hearing aid
Use enhancements, like a telephone with a voice amplifier
Learn sign language

In some cases, the doctor will recommend cochlear implantation. This tool is a small electronic device that is placed in the ear during a surgical procedure.

Although it cannot restore normal listening ability, this cochlea can make it sound louder. This option is usually offered to patients with acute hearing loss.
Anticipate hearing loss

Hearing loss is a permanent condition. So you can maintain the health of your ears as soon as possible.

Use earplugs when you are in a noisy place. Lawn mowers, vacuum cleaners and music concerts produce sounds that can damage the ear.