Old age hearing loss
Old age is dreaded by everyone as it weakens the body and limits the physical capabilities. Immunity and working capacity dwindles and so does the strength of other organs in the body. Weakening of eyesight or old age hearing loss is a common problem, especially during the seventies and eighties.
Loud noise or heavy music can be annoying to a normal
person, but for an old person who has less listening capacity these sounds
appear normal instead of deafening. Have you noticed any of your grandparents
enjoying music on television or audio track in high volume? Well, when the
hearing ability starts lessening old people do not immediately understand the
problem. And if they are used to living alone, then they simply feel that the
volume of TV is low and just go on increasing it. This old age hearing loss is clinically
termed as Presbycusis.
Early stage of Presbycusis
When you start increasing the sound of any audio or video
program more than you always needed to hear clearly, it is a clear cut proof
that your ability to hear is weakening.
When regular noise of horns, whistle does not make you
shriek as before it is a symptom that Presbycusis is stepping in.
Very regular sounds like running tap water or screeching
of chair due to pushing do not have any irritating effect; your hearing ability
is getting impaired.
Reasons of Presbycusis
By the time you reach old age, your organs have been used
to their limits. But even then some organs still function well while some lose
their sensitivity and ability to function to the hilt. Weakening of immunity,
eye sight or hearing is a common thing.
Hearing ability depends upon the strength of cochlear
hair cells. These cells due to overuse or any other reasons like injury near brain,
jaw, cheek, teeth or directly to the ear can get damaged. If not treated
properly, these cells become weak over the time and then lose their high
frequency ability to catch even the smallest of sound. More the damage to the
cells less will be the hearing capacity.
Although the damage to the cochlear hair cells starts
from the middle age itself, its repercussions and effects are seen during old
age when you cross sixties. Hearing loss is mostly seen in male adults as
compared to female.
Most prominent cause of Presbycusis
Presbycusis is a natural phenomenon and can occur to any
old person. But the cases have increased more in the past decade and noise
pollution is the main culprit. Deafening noise of traffic, sirens, horns,
machines and habit to hear loud ear storming music damage the capacity of the
cochlear hair cells. Hence, this old age hearing loss is fast becoming middle
age hearing loss as the symptoms are now being noticed in people even in their
thirties and forties.
God has given everyone the most wonderful quality in the
form of ability to hear. It’s time you understand its value and stop misusing
it. If steps are taken in the youth, your hearing capability can be retained
for years together.
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