Introduction to Presbycusis
Presbycusis, often referred to as age-related hearing loss, is a common condition among the older population. At London ENT, our dedicated team of specialists work diligently to diagnose and manage this condition, assisting our patients in regaining an improved quality of life.
What is Presbycusis?
Presbycusis is the gradual loss of hearing that occurs as individuals age. It is a natural process, affecting both ears equally, and most commonly impacts the ability to hear high-pitched sounds, like the voices of women and children. This condition results from natural changes in the inner ear, auditory nerve, and even certain brain areas as we grow older.
Symptoms of Presbycusis
Often, presbycusis develops unnoticed until it becomes more severe. The symptoms typically begin with a reduced ability to hear high-pitched sounds, gradually progressing to make it more challenging to follow conversations in noisy environments. Additionally, sounds or speech may seem muffled and you may find yourself asking people to repeat themselves often. Ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus, might also occur.
Causes of Presbycusis
While age is the primary factor leading to presbycusis, the condition may be exacerbated by certain health and lifestyle factors. These include long-term exposure to loud noises, family history of hearing loss, smoking, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes or poor circulation.
Diagnosing Presbycusis
Diagnosing presbycusis involves a comprehensive hearing examination by our skilled team at London ENT. We conduct detailed auditory tests to identify the degree of hearing loss, and use this information to form a customised treatment plan for each patient.
Managing and Treating Presbycusis
At London ENT, we believe in adopting a holistic approach towards treating presbycusis. The focus is on improving the individual’s quality of life through various options such as hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and where necessary, cochlear implants. We also provide advice on strategies to better communicate and cope with hearing loss, ensuring that our patients remain engaged in their daily activities.
Prevention of Presbycusis
While presbycusis cannot be entirely prevented due to its age-related nature, certain steps can be taken to help preserve hearing health. These include avoiding loud noise exposure, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, not smoking, and regular check-ups to monitor your hearing status.
London ENT: Your Partner in Hearing Health
Presbycusis can be a challenging condition, but at London ENT, we are committed to supporting our patients through every step of their hearing journey. Our dedication to providing comprehensive care ensures that you can lead an engaged and fulfilling life, even with presbycusis.
Remember, early detection is key in managing age-related hearing loss. If you or your loved ones have any concerns about hearing health, please do not hesitate to contact us at London ENT.