Beverly Hills Hearing Center was founded in 1983 by Bonnie Baehr. Prior to that, Dr. Baehr practiced at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles as a staff audiologist for seven years. She was involved with diagnostic testing, hearing aid evaluations, research and rehabilitation. Dr. Baehr did her clinical fellowship training at the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic in downtown Los Angeles. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, American Speech Language and Hearing Association, California Academy of Audiology and Academy of Doctors of Audiology.
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Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is a common type of hearing loss many older adults will face. But just because it’s common doesn’t mean you should live with untreated hearing loss. Let’s take a closer look at age-related hearing loss, unraveling its causes, symptoms, and the proactive steps you can take to navigate this common type of hearing loss.
Understanding Age-Related Hearing Loss
Age-related hearing loss is a gradual, cumulative process that typically unfolds over a period of several years. It is often marked by a decline in the ability to hear high-pitched sounds and distinguish between certain consonants. This process can vary in pace and severity among individuals but commonly becomes noticeable around the age of 60.
The Causes of Presbycusis
While aging is the primary contributor to presbycusis, several factors can exacerbate its onset or progression. These include:
- Genetic Predisposition: A family history of hearing loss can influence an individual’s susceptibility.
- Exposure to Loud Noises: Cumulative exposure to loud environments or occupational noise can accelerate age-related hearing decline.
- Health Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and hypertension can contribute to hearing loss.
- Ototoxic Medications: Certain medications may have a side effect of damaging the auditory system.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Do you think you may have age-related hearing loss? Here are a few of the most common symptoms to watch for:
- Difficulty Hearing High-Pitched Sounds: A common early indication is a challenge in hearing sounds in the higher frequency range.
- Struggling in Noisy Environments: Difficulty following conversations in bustling settings or amidst background noise becomes apparent.
- Frequently Requesting Repetition: Individuals may find themselves frequently asking others to repeat themselves.
- Phone Conversations Pose Challenges: Understanding phone conversations becomes more challenging.
Beyond the physical aspects, age-related hearing loss can have profound emotional and social repercussions. Feelings of isolation, frustration, depression, and a gradual withdrawal from social activities are not uncommon. Acknowledging these emotional dimensions is crucial in addressing the impact of hearing loss.
Proactive Steps to Managing Age-Related Hearing Loss
There are several ways you can manage hearing loss:
Regular Hearing Checkups
Routine hearing checkups are pivotal, serving as proactive measures to detect age-related hearing loss in its early stages. These checkups let you work with hearing health specialists to assess hearing capabilities and get the right interventions.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Adopting a healthy lifestyle contributes not only to overall well-being but also to hearing health. Managing cardiovascular health, maintaining a balanced diet, and exercising regularly can positively influence auditory function.
Minimize Exposure to Loud Noises
Conscious efforts to limit exposure to loud environments, especially without adequate hearing protection, can mitigate the impact of external factors contributing to age-related hearing loss.
Manage Medications
Consulting healthcare providers about the potential ototoxic effects of medications is crucial. In cases where hearing loss is a side effect, alternative medications or monitoring strategies can be explored.
Technological Innovations for Hearing Loss
Advancements in hearing aid technology have heralded a new era in addressing age-related hearing loss. Modern hearing aids are discreet, technologically sophisticated, and tailored to individual needs, providing a lifeline to improved auditory experiences.
In addition to hearing aids, an array of assistive listening devices complements the auditory journey. These devices, ranging from amplified phones to captioning services, enhance communication and connectivity.
For individuals with severe hearing loss, cochlear implants represent a revolutionary solution. Surgically implanted devices bypass damaged auditory structures, directly stimulating the auditory nerve to restore a semblance of hearing.
The Essence of Compassion and Understanding
Navigating age-related hearing loss necessitates not only technological interventions but also an environment of compassion and understanding. Loved ones, caregivers, and society at large play pivotal roles in fostering an inclusive atmosphere where individuals with hearing loss feel supported and embraced.
Visit Us for More Support
When it comes to age-related hearing loss, you need a partner in healthy hearing. By embracing proactive measures, fostering a culture of awareness, and leveraging technological innovations, you can navigate hearing loss with resilience and grace. To learn more about age-related hearing loss and explore your hearing options, visit us for a hearing test. We’ll help you understand your hearing loss and hearing needs, and help you find the perfect treatment solutions.