Auditory sensations, such as ringing, humming, or static, are prevalent issues among the aging population. These sounds, known as tinnitus, can trigger frustration and disorientation for many seniors. While advancing in years often brings about tinnitus, it must not be viewed as an inevitable consequence of aging.
Tinnitus can interrupt and compromise your quality of life, and you should not feel forced to accept it as a requirement of the aging process. We are investigating the nuances of tinnitus in seniors to help you identify the cause and find available paths for relief.
An Overview of Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of sound without an external source. Although ringing and buzzing are the most frequent descriptions, the sound can also present as hissing, roaring, or static. The severity varies from a minor nuisance to a significant impairment, and it may be felt in a single ear or both.
Research cited by the National Library of Medicine reveals important trends among seniors:
- About 20 percent of older individuals are affected by tinnitus symptoms.
- Daily life is compromised for 10% of older people suffering from tinnitus.
- Participants with hearing loss were twice as likely to have tinnitus.
The emotional toll of unceasing tinnitus can include profound anguish, sleep deprivation, and depression. Professional support and management strategies are available to help mitigate these effects. To begin, let’s explore how to tell if your tinnitus is strictly related to getting older.
When Tinnitus Is Age-Related
One of the most common causes of tinnitus in older adults is age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis.
When aging is the primary cause, the tinnitus typically:
- Emerges slowly as the auditory system changes.
- Presents at the same time as a decline in hearing ability.
- Sounds like high-pitched ringing or static.
- Becomes more noticeable in quiet environments.
Non-Age-Related Triggers
It is important to look beyond age, as many cases of tinnitus are caused by treatable medical or environmental factors, like:
- Occupational or social noise damage acquired during youth.
- Medications, such as certain antibiotics, aspirin, or chemotherapy.
- Cardiovascular conditions, including high blood pressure.
- An accumulation of earwax, a condition occurring more frequently with advancing age.
The Effect of Untreated Tinnitus
However, persistent tinnitus can impact:
- Sleep hygiene.
- Your mental clarity and recall of important information.
- Mood and anxiety levels.
- Overall quality of life.
What You Can Do
- The use of hearing aids, which can cover the ringing by enhancing environmental input.
- Employing sound machines or ambient sound to help mask the internal sounds.
- Working with a physician to change prescriptions that may be causing the noise.
- Lifestyle adjustments to reduce stress and improve sleep.
Contact our team of professionals today to make an appointment. Our team is committed to supporting your auditory health.