“Presbycusis” refers to the slow and progressive loss of hearing that affects both ears to the same degree and usually starts around the age of 50. This age-related loss of hearing usually starts in the high-frequency range, where conversation is conducted. As a result, those suffering from presbycusis are likely to find that speech intelligibility is hindered more than their ability to hear sounds. This is particularly true in cases where those suffering from presbycusis are trying to hear conversation in noisy environments. The term “cocktail party effect” refers to the ability to focus on a single conversation partner in a noisy environment. The experience of this and other presbycusis-related symptoms should prompt a hearing test.
Hearing loss is often a result of aging, although it can also be caused (or made worse) by prolonged exposure to loud noise, illness, heredity, injury, and medications. Are you hearing less than you used to? Come visit with a certified clinical audiologist at BETTER HEARING CENTER, and find out why and what you can do about it. We’re ready to help with comprehensive evaluations, custom fittings, follow-up support, expert repairs, and compassionate, personalized service. We are New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider, and the only hearing center that has served the Concord, New Hampshire, area for more than 55 years.
P.S. Presbycusis can be hereditary, which means that if your closely related family members have experienced age- related hearing loss, you could have it as well.
