Presbycusis is age-related hearing loss. It usually appears progressively, bilaterally (affecting both ears) and especially in the high frequencies, which makes it particularly difficult to understand voices in noisy environments. Although it used to appear from the age of 60-65, it is increasingly being detected in younger people.
The most common symptoms that may indicate its presence are
– turning up the television volume,
– asking people to repeat what they have said
– following a conversation in a meeting with several people
– trying to look at the lips of the person speaking
The data confirms it: among people aged 65 to 74, a significant proportion already has some degree of hearing loss, and that proportion increases after the age of 75. But, as mentioned above, more and more younger people are also being diagnosed.
REASONS TO ACT AGAINST PRESBYCUSIS
Hearing loss should not be ignored, as its implications are more serious than they may seem:
- It affects communication with family, friends and the surrounding environment; it can lead to social isolation.
- It can affect cognitive health: when the brain stops receiving normal sound stimulation, its processing is affected.
Early detection and the use of appropriate hearing aids help improve quality of life.
In many cases, the use of hearing aids is usually the most effective and efficient solution for older people. It is important to visit a recognised and authorised centre, as each case must be treated in a personal and unique way. No two hearing solutions will ever be the same, even if the hearing aids are identical, so do not trust solutions without an adaptation process.
Effective solution: hearing aids —adapted to each person’s profile— are the best tool for improving hearing in presbycusis. But “hearing aids” is not a single concept: they must be chosen well, fitted properly and accompanied by good follow-up. These are the key aspects:
- Ease of use: large buttons, intuitive controls, simple charging base.
- Hearing clarity: good amplification, background noise suppression, adaptability to the environment.
- Technological compatibility: possibility of connection to mobile phones, television or hearing accessories.
- Comfort and fit: good ergonomics, comfortable materials and personalised fitting.
- Personalised adaptation: each person has their own profile (degree of loss, manual dexterity, vision, motivation), so a professional must carry out the assessment.
HEARING WELL AGAIN IS NOT A WHIM, IT IS A NECESSITY
- Recover communication skills: speak clearly, “hear” conversations again and communicate effectively
- Improve autonomy and quality of life: hear the television, the phone and the doorbell clearly…
- Slow down the process of cognitive decline
- Combat isolation and the secondary effects of hearing loss: less loneliness and greater control over one’s own life.
It is important to understand that starting to use a hearing aid involves an adaptation period and that this should be done with the support of the professionals at the hearing centre where the devices were provided. In this case, at Auz Audiology, we will be by your side.
Presbycusis is a reality for many older people, but it does not mean we should resign ourselves to hearing poorly. With suitable hearing aids, adapted to each person’s needs, and good professional support, a very important part of hearing ability can be recovered, with all the benefits this brings for daily life, communication, autonomy and wellbeing.
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