As seniors grow older, they frequently report experiencing sounds like humming, hissing, buzzing, or ringing in their ears. For many older people, the experience of tinnitus can disrupt their mental clarity and create a sense of disorientation. Even though age is a primary factor, distinguishing between age-induced tinnitus and alternative triggers is essential for proper care.
Your everyday well-being can be severely compromised by tinnitus, yet you are not required to view it as an inevitable side effect of age. Today, we’re taking a look at what’s age-related, what isn’t, and what you can do if you have tinnitus.
Understanding Tinnitus
In simplest terms, tinnitus is the subjective experience of sound that others cannot perceive. Although ringing and buzzing are the most frequent descriptions, the sound can also manifest as hissing, roaring, or static. Whether it is a steady noise or one that comes and goes, tinnitus can range from a slight irritation to a severe disruption.
The National Library of Medicine reports the following statistics regarding the senior population:
- 1 in 5 people has tinnitus.
- Daily life is compromised for 10% of older people suffering from tinnitus.
- There is a strong correlation showing that those with hearing loss have a twofold increase in the risk of tinnitus reports.
Persistent or high-volume tinnitus often contributes to significant emotional distress, including anxiety, exhaustion, and depression. Fortunately, there are many resources and treatments accessible to those who suffer. To begin, let’s explore how to tell if your tinnitus is strictly related to getting older.
Identifying Tinnitus Caused by Aging
One of the primary drivers of tinnitus in seniors is age-related hearing loss, clinically referred to as presbycusis.
In these cases, tinnitus often:
- Emerges slowly as the auditory pathway changes.
- Is experienced concurrently with age-related hearing loss.
- Sounds like high-pitched ringing or static.
- Is easier to detect when the surroundings are silent.
Non-Age-Related Triggers
While age-related changes play a role, many cases of tinnitus in older adults are linked to other triggers, including:
- Past exposure with damaging decibel levels from machinery or military environments.
- The use of pharmaceuticals, like certain antibiotics or specialized treatments.
- Blood flow problems, including hypertension, that affect the ears.
- An accumulation of earwax, a problem occurring regularly with advancing age.
Why Tinnitus Must Not Be Dismissed
Yet, it is important to realize that long-term tinnitus influences:
- Sleep hygiene.
- Your daily focus and the ability to recall important information.
- Overall mood balance and the possibility of increased anxiety.
- Your total well-being and social activities.
What You Can Do
- Hearing aids, which often reduce tinnitus by enhancing sound input.
- Using sound therapy tools designed to train the brain to the noise.
- Reviewing and modifying current pharmaceuticals if they are found to be harmful to hearing.
- Implementing new habits that focus on stress reduction and better sleep patterns.
Reach out to our clinical staff immediately to book your comprehensive evaluation. Our staff is dedicated to supporting your hearing health.