Auditory sensations, such as hissing, buzzing, or ringing, are prevalent issues among the aging population. This condition, clinically known as tinnitus, often leads to considerable anxiety and mental strain for older adults. While getting older often brings about tinnitus, it must not be viewed as an inevitable byproduct of aging.
Tinnitus can disrupt and diminish your quality of life, and you don’t have to simply accept it as a part 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.
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus occurs when a person perceives internal sounds that do not originate from their environment. Although ringing and buzzing are the primary descriptions, the sound can also manifest as roaring, whistling, or clicking. The experience can be localized in one or both ears, appearing either sporadically or continuously throughout the day.
According to the National Library of Medicine, in a general elderly population:
- 1 in 5 people has tinnitus.
- Daily life is compromised for one out of every ten seniors suffering from tinnitus.
- The data shows that individuals with hearing loss face an increased likelihood of developing tinnitus.
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 most common causes of tinnitus in older adults is age-related hearing loss, clinically referred to as presbycusis.
In these cases, tinnitus often:
- Manifests as a steady onset.
- Occurs alongside hearing loss.
- Takes the form of constant high-pitched ringing.
- Frequently feels more intrusive in a quiet room.
Non-Age-Related Triggers
While age-related changes play a role, many cases of tinnitus in older adults are linked to other factors, including:
- Past contact with intense sound from machinery or military environments.
- Side effects from chemotherapy drugs, aspirin, or specific antibiotics.
- Circulatory system problems, including high blood pressure, that affect the ears.
- Simple earwax blockage, which is a common and treatable cause of ringing.
The Impact of Untreated Tinnitus
However, persistent tinnitus can affect:
- Sleep hygiene.
- Concentration and memory.
- Overall emotional health.
- Your total well-being and social activities.
Managing Tinnitus: Steps for Older Adults
- Hearing aids, which frequently lessen tinnitus by enhancing sound input.
- Employing sound machines or ambient sound to help mask the internal noises.
- Working with a doctor to change prescriptions that may be causing the noise.
- Adopting new habits that focus on stress reduction and better sleeping patterns.
Phone our team now to set up a consultation and begin your path toward relief. Our staff is dedicated to supporting your auditory health.