Presbycusis is the term that is used for hearing loss as we get older, from around the age of 40 our hearing will gradually decline and we may find that we have to turn up the TV louder to hear it comfortably or we think that people are mumbling or we miss what people say and find that we have to ask them to repeat themselves more frequently. People suffering from Presbycusis will also find it harder to hear certain sounds such as water dripping from a tap and some shy away from activities that they used to enjoy socially due to their problem.

Why does Presbycusis happen?

As we get older the hair cells in the cochlear become damaged due to wear and tear, it is usually high frequency hearing loss that we suffer due to this and it starts going downhill after the age of around 40. Studies have suggested that more males than females are affected by Presbycusis and this is thought to be due to the fact that more men work in large industrial environments with heavy machinery for most of their working life. Presbycusis is a normal occurrence because as we get older the middle ear also ages and these changes make it more difficult for us to distinguish sounds.

Treatment for Presbycusis

Hearing aids can help those suffering from Presbycusis though there is no cure for hearing loss relating to the advancement of age. Lip reading can be difficult for older people to learn and as such the older person may become isolated and may shy away from social gatherings.

How to help someone suffering from Presbycusis

There are several things you can do to help a family member who is suffering from hearing loss.

• Make sure that they wear protective equipment for their ears at work to prevent any further damage from taking place.
• Suggest amplifying aids around the home such as doorbells, amplifiers and loud alarm clocks.
• Make sure they are facing you before you begin a conversation with them and use clear facial expressions, body language and hand gestures.
• Turn down the TV when you are having a conversation.
• Try to speak clearly and slowly.
• Try to be patient and include them in conversations when in a group.
• Suggest that they go for a hearing test if they haven’t already done so.
• Arrange for a social worker to become involved in helping you around the home with any special equipment to adapt the home.