Hearing loss can happen for many reasons; is aging one of them?
You might believe that hearing loss is a sign of getting old. It is common to think that being hard of hearing goes hand in hand with being old. That’s why it might seem negative if a loved one suggests that you have hearing loss. However, you do not need to link getting old with hearing loss. Hearing loss could be related to aging, but in many cases, it is not. Is hearing loss related to aging? Find out more about this issue and how Clarity Audiology can help you and your loved ones.
The Many Causes of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is not necessarily related to natural aging. There are four types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, mixed, and APD (auditory processing disorder.)
Conductive hearing loss is a temporary hearing loss in which something is blocking your ears, such as a foreign object or inflammation.
Sensorineural hearing loss is damage to the ear in some way that prevents normal hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss is a great example.
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
An auditory processing disorder relates to how the brain processes and interprets speech and other sounds.
Any of these classifications of hearing loss have appeared in people of all ages, from the youngest to the oldest. Sadly, many adolescents already have some form of hearing loss due to noise exposure. While millions have hearing loss in the U.S., many more likely suffer from poor hearing, although they have never seen an audiologist. All in all, hearing issues can affect anyone at any age.
Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis)
Although it is not necessarily true, a person’s hearing loss could be due to natural aging. This type of hearing loss is called presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss. As the body gets older, the middle and inner ear could break down. It does not happen to everyone, but if it does, Clarity Audiology can help you maintain your hearing and mental health with our expert care.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
You can call us today to schedule a FREE Hearing Protection Consultation at 410-698-6594! For more blog posts, news, and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.