Journal of Communication Disorders, Deaf Studies & Hearing Aids
Open Access

Presbycusis: Understanding Age-Related Hearing Loss and its Impact

Kaitlyn Esther^{* *}Correspondence: Kaitlyn Esther, Department of Audiology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway, Email:

Author info »

Description

Presbycusis is a prevalent form of hearing loss that occurs as individual’s age. It is a gradual and progressive condition characterized by a decline in hearing acuity, particularly in highfrequency sounds. This study will explore the causes, symptoms, impact, and available management options for presbycusis.

Causes of presbycusis

Presbycusis is primarily caused by the natural aging process and cumulative exposure to environmental factors. The exact mechanisms underlying presbycusis are not fully understood, but several factors contribute to its development:

Age-related changes in the inner ear: The sensory cells (hair cells) in the inner ear naturally degenerate over time, leading to a reduced ability to detect and transmit sound signals to the brain. Additionally, there may be changes in the blood supply to the inner ear, impacting its function [1,2].

Genetic factors: Genetic predisposition may play a role in the development of presbycusis. Certain genes associated with the aging process and the susceptibility of the inner ear to damage may contribute to an individual's risk of developing hearing loss.

Noise exposure over a lifetime: Prolonged exposure to loud noises throughout life can contribute to the development and progression of presbycusis. This includes occupational noise, recreational activities, and environmental noise [3].

Vascular factors: Changes in the blood supply to the cochlea, the hearing organ in the inner ear, can impact its function and contribute to presbycusis. Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease may exacerbate age-related hearing loss [4-7].

Impact of presbycusis

Presbycusis can have various impacts on an individual's life:

Communication difficulties: Hearing loss can significantly affect communication, leading to misunderstandings, social withdrawal, and strained relationships. Difficulty participating in conversations and following discussions can impact work, social interactions, and overall quality of life [8,9].

Cognitive decline: There is evidence linking age-related hearing loss to cognitive decline and increased risk of conditions like dementia. The reduced auditory input may contribute to cognitive load and lead to cognitive changes over time.

Emotional and psychological effects: Untreated presbycusis can lead to emotional and psychological consequences, including frustration, anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Individuals may feel embarrassed or self-conscious about their hearing loss, leading to a decline in self-esteem.

Safety concerns: Hearing loss can pose safety risks, as individuals may struggle to hear alarms, sirens, or approaching vehicles. It may also affect spatial awareness, making it challenging to locate the source of sounds [10-12].

Management options for presbycusis

While presbycusis is a natural part of aging and cannot be reversed, several management options can help individuals with age-related hearing loss:

Hearing aids: Hearing aids are the most common treatment option for presbycusis. These devices amplify sound and improve hearing acuity. Modern hearing aids come in various styles and can be tailored to individual needs, providing a significant improvement in communication and overall quality of life.

Assistive listening devices: These devices work in conjunction with hearing aids or independently to enhance hearing in specific situations. They can include devices like personal amplifiers, loop systems, or FM systems, which improve speech clarity and reduce background noise.

Communication strategies: Learning effective communication strategies can greatly assist individuals with presbycusis. These strategies may involve facing the speaker directly, requesting repetition or clarification, and using visual cues such as lipreading or gestures to aid comprehension.

Environmental modifications: Making adjustments to the environment can improve hearing and communication. This can include reducing background noise, ensuring good lighting, and using visual aids like captions or subtitles during media consumption.

Hearing rehabilitation and therapy: Audiologists and hearing healthcare professionals can provide hearing rehabilitation programs that focus on maximizing hearing abilities and developing effective listening skills. Speech therapy may also be beneficial in improving speech comprehension and communication.

Regular hearing evaluations: It is essential for individuals with presbycusis to undergo regular hearing evaluations to monitor changes in hearing and adjust treatment options accordingly. This ensures that the hearing devices and management strategies continue to meet their needs.

Counseling and support: Adjusting to hearing loss can be challenging, and individuals with presbycusis may benefit from counseling and support services. Counseling can help address emotional and psychological impacts, provide coping strategies, and offer guidance on communication and lifestyle adjustments.

Lifestyle modifications: Making certain lifestyle modifications can help individuals with presbycusis better manage their hearing loss. This includes advocating for themselves in social and work settings, informing others about their hearing loss, and creating environments that are conducive to effective communication.

Education and awareness: Increasing awareness about presbycusis among the general public and healthcare professionals is crucial. Early identification and intervention can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for individuals with presbycusis.

Ongoing research and advancements: Continued research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of presbycusis is essential. Advancements in technology, such as hearing aid technology, assistive listening devices, and potential future interventions, offer hope for improved management of age-related hearing loss.

Presbycusis is a common and progressive form of hearing loss that occurs as individuals age. While it poses challenges in communication, cognition, and overall well-being, there are effective management options available. By utilizing hearing aids, assistive listening devices, communication strategies, and making environmental modifications, individuals with presbycusis can regain improved hearing function and maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle. Regular hearing evaluations, counseling, and ongoing support play crucial roles in managing presbycusis and addressing its impact on individuals' lives. With ongoing research and advancements in technology, the future holds promise for even better management strategies for presbycusis, ensuring a better quality of life for those affected by age-related hearing loss [13-15].

References

1. Beauvois MF, Derouesne J. Phonological alexia: Three dissociations. J. Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1979;42(12):1115-1124. 

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

2. Hornickel J, Zecker SG, Bradlow AR, Kraus N. Assistive listening devices drive neuroplasticity in children with dyslexia. PNAS. 2012;109(41):16731-16736. 

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

3. Eden GF, Jones KM, Cappell K, Gareau L, Wood FB, Zeffiro TA, et al. Neural changes following remediation in adult developmental dyslexia. Neuron. 2004;44(3):411-422.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

4. Harley TA, O'Mara DA. Hyphenation can improve reading in acquired phonological dyslexia. Aphasiology. 2006;20(8):744-761.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

5. Berndt RS. An investigation of nonlexical reading impairments. Cogn Neuropsych. 1996;13(6):763-801.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

6. Lishman WA. Developmental dyslexia. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2003;74(12):1603-1605.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

7. Goodall WC, Phillips WA. Three routes from print to sound: Evidence from a case of acquired dyslexia. Cogn Neuropsych. 1995;12(2):113-147.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

8. Shaywitz BA, Shaywitz SE, Blachman BA, Pugh KR, Fulbright RK, Skudlarski P, et al. Development of left occipitotemporal systems for skilled reading in children after a phonologically-based intervention. Biol. Psychiatry. 2004;55(9):926-933. 

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

9. Kuster SM, van Weerdenburg M, Gompel M, Bosman AM. Dyslexie font does not benefit reading in children with or without dyslexia. Ann. Dyslexia. 2018;68(1):25-42. 

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

10. Snyder NF, McGowan P. Parrots: status survey and conservation action plan 2000-2004. IUCN.2000.

    [Google Scholar]

11. Gill FB. Local cytonuclear extinction of the golden‐winged warbler. Eval.1997;51(2):519-25.

    [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

12. Johnson JR, O'Bryan TT, Low DA. Evidence of commonality between canine and human extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli strains that express papG allele III. Infect Immun. 2000;68(6):3327-36.

    [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

13. Singer JM, Plotz CM, Pader E, Elster SK. The latex-fixation test: III. Agglutination test for C-reactive protein and comparison with the capillary precipitin method. Am J Clin Pathol. 1957 ;28(6):611-617.

    [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

14. Oppong YE, Phelan J, Perdigão J, Machado D, Miranda A, Portugal I, et al. Genome-wide analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis polymorphisms reveals lineage-specific associations with drug resistance. BMC geno. 2019; 20(1):1-5.

    [Google Scholar] 

15. Phelan JE, O’Sullivan DM, Machado D, Ramos J, Oppong YE, Campino S, et al. Integrating informatics tools and portable sequencing technology for rapid detection of resistance to anti-tuberculous drugs. Geno med. 2019; 11:1-7.

    [Crossref]  [Google Scholar]