Age-related hearing loss is the slow loss of the ability to hear high frequencies, which occurs as people get older.
Alternative Names:
Hearing loss - age related; Presbycusis
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Age-related hearing loss is called presbycusis. It is unknown whether a specific cause such as noise trauma leads to presbycusis, but there appears to be a genetic predisposition.
Age-related hearing loss tends to occur in families. The disorder occurs in about 25% of people aged 65 to 75 and in 70 - 80% of those over age 75.
Symptoms:
The loss of hearing occurs slowly over time. It usually starts with problems hearing high-frequency sounds, such as someone talking. It may be difficult to hear things in noisy areas.
Signs and tests:
Your doctor may find wax in the ear that can be a contributing factor. Often the exam is unrevealing. Audiology or other testing determines the extent of hearing loss.
Review Date: 11/6/2006
Reviewed By: Sandra W. Cohen, M.D. Private Practice specializing in geriatrics, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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General ENT
