How Aging Correlates with Hearing Loss

Have you ever wondered why there is a correlation between aging and hearing loss? How is it that around 35 million Americans experience hearing loss? Let’s take a dive into what actually happens to our bodies as we age.

Who is Experiencing Age-Related Hearing Loss

            We’re all familiar that as we age, our bodies start to change. One of those changes includes physical shifts such as longer recovery time periods, slowed metabolisms, reduced muscle mass, and more including hearing loss. It’s estimated that 8.5% of adults from ages 55-64 experience hearing loss. This number dramatically jumps to 25% when we look at adults ages 65-74. This number doubles to 50% when we’re taking a look at adults over the age of 75.

How Aging Correlates to Hearing Loss

            Now that we understand that there is a clear correlation between aging and hearing loss, let’s take a look at a few reasons why this could be.

• Health Conditions. Studies show that certain health conditions such as diabetes and others, can increase the likelihood of age-related hearing loss.
• Damaged Hair Cells. Did you know that there are tons of hair cells within your ear that are responsible for picking up the sounds waves and converting them into nerve signals that help the brain interpret sounds? As we age, these hair cells get damaged and sometimes even die. Unfortunately, they are unable to regenerate, therefore leading to hearing loss.
• Genetics. This is one we simply cannot help. For some of us, it is within our genetic makeup that hearing loss will be a result of our aging process.
• Repetition of Loud Noise Exposure. If you’re one to lend your ears to the loud noises of loud rock concerts, gun shots, or even fireworks without protecting your ears, it’s likely that it will lead to age-related hearing loss.
• Smoking. While most people wouldn’t think these two directly correlate, research is proving the smokers are more likely to experience age-related hearing loss than non-smokers.
• Certain Medications. Long-term drug protocols such as chemotherapy and others have a likelihood of leading to higher hearing loss.

While we can’t always pinpoint exactly why aging relates to hearing loss, we can offer solutions for treating hearing loss.

Why Hearing Healthcare Matters

            Making your hearing health a priority helps to reduce the amount of hearing loss that can be experienced through aging. If you do happen to experience age-related hearing loss, it’s important to know that life doesn’t have to stop because of it. We want to provide you with the solution to fit your lifestyle to keep you moving strong and healthy.

            The hearing aid industry has become so advanced that you can experience the most pleasant of times in even the noisiest of restaurants or parties. There are hearing aids to fit every lifestyle. We have the most loving staff who is here to serve you in any way we can. Our mission is to help you experience life to the fullest, including your hearing.

Give us a call today to see if hearing aids are right for you and we will come up with a solution together to combat hearing loss.

Have you ever wondered why there is a correlation between aging and hearing loss? How is it that around 35 million Americans experience hearing loss? Let’s take a dive into what actually happens to our bodies as we age.