Age-related Hearing Loss is a Common Condition
One of the most common conditions affecting elderly adults is hearing loss, known as presbycusis, and gradually occurs to nearly everyone. Statistics indicate that one-third of all Americans between the ages of 65 to 74 have some hearing loss, and almost half of seniors older than 75 have difficulty hearing. Presbycusis typically affects both ears equally and many seniors are unaware of the fact that they have experienced hearing loss as it happens so gradually. One primary reason for elderly hearing loss is the cumulative effect that results from the deterioration of the cochlea or other parts of the inner ear or auditory nerves. In some cases, health conditions more common among the elderly such as high blood pressure and diabetes can adversely affect hearing. Furthermore, certain medications including some kinds of chemotherapy drugs also cause hearing loss. Another cause of hearing loss affecting individuals of any age is long-...