Age-Related Hearing Loss: What Happens and What Helps

Age-related hearing loss, known clinically as presbycusis, is a gradual decline in hearing that many of us experience as we get older. It is the single most common form of hearing loss, and its slow progression often means people don't realise their hearing is diminishing for some time. At our private audiology clinic in High Wycombe, we specialise in the diagnosis and management of presbycusis, offering tailored solutions to help you reconnect with the world around you.

Presbycusis is the medical term for age-related hearing loss. It is a progressive, bilateral (affecting both ears) sensorineural hearing loss. The process is gradual, and it primarily affects the ability to hear high-frequency sounds, which can make it difficult to understand speech, especially in noisy environments. For instance, you might find it challenging to distinguish consonants like 's', "f", and 'th', making conversations feel muffled or unclear. As a leading private audiology clinic in Loudwater, High Wycombe, we frequently see clients who have been struggling with these exact issues for years before seeking help.

There are several types of presbycusis, each affecting a different part of the auditory system:

• **Sensory Presbycusis:** This involves the loss of outer hair cells in the cochlea, the spiral-shaped cavity of the inner ear. These hair cells are responsible for amplifying sound vibrations.
• **Neural Presbycusis:** This is caused by the loss of nerve cells in the cochlea and the auditory pathway to the brain. This type of presbycusis particularly affects speech discrimination.
• **Strial Presbycusis:** This is caused by the atrophy of the stria vascularis, which provides blood supply to the cochlea.
• **Cochlear Conductive Presbycusis:** This is caused by the stiffening of the basilar membrane in the cochlea.

Understanding the specific type of presbycusis is a key part of our diagnostic process at our High Wycombe clinic, as it allows us to tailor our management strategies to your individual needs.

While ageing is the primary cause of presbycusis, a combination of factors contributes to its development. These include:

• **Genetic Predisposition:** A family history of hearing loss can increase your susceptibility.
• **Cumulative Noise Exposure:** A lifetime of exposure to loud noises, from occupational hazards to recreational activities, can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear. This is often referred to as Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) and can exacerbate age-related decline.
• **Medical Conditions:** Certain health conditions are linked to an increased risk of hearing loss, including: Cardiovascular disease, High blood pressure (hypertension), and Diabetes.
• **Ototoxic Medications:** Some medications can damage the auditory system. These include certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and high doses of aspirin.
• **Lifestyle Factors:** Smoking and poor nutrition can also contribute to the development of presbycusis.

At our audiology clinic in Loudwater, we take a holistic approach, considering all these factors when assessing your hearing and recommending a management plan.

Leaving age-related hearing loss unmanaged can have a significant impact on your quality of life. The consequences extend beyond simply not hearing well. They can include:

• **Social Isolation and Loneliness:** Difficulty in following conversations can lead to withdrawal from social situations, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
• **Cognitive Decline:** A growing body of research suggests a link between untreated hearing loss and an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The brain has to work harder to process sound, diverting resources from other cognitive functions.
• **Mental Health:** The frustration and social isolation associated with hearing loss can contribute to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
• **Reduced Alertness and Safety:** An inability to hear warnings such as smoke alarms, doorbells, or approaching traffic can pose a significant safety risk.

At our High Wycombe clinic, we believe in proactive management of hearing loss to mitigate these risks and help you maintain a full and active life.

A comprehensive hearing assessment is the first step towards managing presbycusis. At our private audiology clinic in Loudwater, High Wycombe, we conduct a thorough evaluation that includes:

• **Detailed Case History:** We discuss your medical history, lifestyle, and any specific hearing difficulties you are experiencing.
• **Otoscopy:** A physical examination of your ear canals and eardrums.
• **Pure-Tone Audiometry:** This test measures your hearing sensitivity across a range of frequencies.
• **Speech Audiometry:** This assesses your ability to understand speech in both quiet and noisy environments.

Based on the results of your assessment, we will recommend a personalised management plan. While there is no cure for presbycusis, modern hearing aids can be incredibly effective. Today's devices are discreet, comfortable, and packed with advanced technology to help you hear more clearly. We work with a range of leading manufacturers to ensure we can find the perfect solution for your hearing needs and lifestyle. For more information on the process, please see our guide on The Process.