Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis)

Age-Related Hearing Loss, medically known as presbycusis, is the slow, progressive decline in hearing ability that occurs naturally with aging. It typically affects both ears equally and is the most common cause of hearing loss worldwide, impacting about one in three adults over 65 and two out of three people over 70.

The condition primarily reduces sensitivity to high-frequency sounds, making it difficult to hear women's and children's voices, electronic beeps, or consonants like "s" and "th". People with presbycusis often struggle to understand speech in noisy environments, frequently ask others to repeat themselves, and may turn up television volume. Tinnitus—ringing or buzzing in the ears—is also common.

The main cause is damage to hair cells in the inner ear, though genetics, noise exposure, smoking, diabetes, heart disease, and certain medications also contribute. While there's no cure, hearing aids are the most effective treatment, amplifying sounds to improve daily communication. Assistive listening devices, cochlear implants for severe cases, and speechreading training also help.

Though irreversible, protecting ears from loud noise and managing health conditions may slow progression. Early diagnosis and intervention significantly improve quality of life and reduce risks of social isolation, depression, and anxiety associated with untreated hearing loss.