PUBLISHED DECISION GUIDE
Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis): Signs, Testing, and Management
Recognize early signs, understand testing, and learn how to manage age-related hearing loss.
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, is a common condition that can affect communication and quality of life. This guide explains early indications, when to get your ears tested, and available management options.
Independently written English guidance based on cited public sources. Every public guide is human reviewed; it is not an official translation of the source publisher.
Early Indications of Age-Related Hearing Loss
In the initial stages, a person with hearing loss may have difficulty in understanding words. He/she is often able to hear the sounds but unable to make out the words. This may be more evident when the background noise is high (e.g., in a restaurant).
Such a person may also start speaking in a louder voice than normal, without being aware of it.
A ringing sensation in the ear (tinnitus) and inability to hear high-pitched sounds can also indicate presbycusis.
When to Get Your Ears Tested
You should get your ears tested if you experience any of the following:
- You often have to ask people to repeat themselves.
- You find yourself raising the volume of the television to higher than normal levels.
- You regularly miss parts of conversations.
- You experience a ringing sensation in the ear (tinnitus).
- People tell you that you are speaking loudly.
Can Age-Related Hearing Loss Be Reversed or Treated?
Age-related hearing loss cannot be reversed, as it is caused by degeneration of sensory cells, which occurs with age. However, it can be treated effectively by use of hearing aids and other communication devices.
Prevention and Delay of Hearing Loss
Taking good care of your ears and following good ear and hearing practices can help prevent or delay the onset of hearing loss. These practices include:
- Protecting your ears from loud sounds.
- Never inserting anything into your ear or instilling any liquids, other than medicines prescribed by a trained health care personnel.
- In case of pain in the ear or ear-discharge, seeking medical treatment.
Public sources
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This guide received human editorial review. Use its public sources and review date to assess the current information boundary.
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