Auditory sensations, such as ringing, humming, or static, are prevalent issues among the senior demographic. These sounds, referred to as tinnitus, can cause distress and confusion for many seniors. Even though age is a major factor, distinguishing between age-induced tinnitus and alternative triggers is essential for effective care.
The perception of tinnitus often lowers a person’s standard of living, but it is a misconception to believe there are no available paths for management. We are investigating the specifics of tinnitus in older adults to help you determine the cause and discover available paths for relief.
An Overview of Tinnitus
In basic language, tinnitus is the subjective experience of noise that no one else can hear. Commonly, it’s described as ringing or buzzing, but some individuals experience hissing, clicking, or whistling. It can be constant or intermittent, occur in one or both ears, and range from mildly annoying to highly disruptive.
The National Library of Medicine reports the following statistics regarding the senior population:
- Approximately twenty percent of seniors have tinnitus.
- Daily life is affected for 10% of older people suffering from tinnitus.
- Individuals with hearing loss were twice as likely to have tinnitus.
When the noise is intrusive or constant, it can result in mental health challenges such as fatigue and severe anxiety. The good news is that no one has to manage these symptoms without professional help. Before seeking help, it is important to understand whether your tinnitus is a result of aging or other factors.
Identifying Tinnitus Triggered by Aging
Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, stands as a primary driver of tinnitus in the senior population.
When aging is the primary cause, the tinnitus typically:
- Develops gradually over time.
- Is experienced together with age-related hearing impairment.
- Takes the form of constant high-pitched ringing.
- Is easier to detect when the surroundings are silent.
When Tinnitus Is Not Just About Aging
Aging isn’t always the only factor, as many seniors experience tinnitus due to external influences, such as:
- Past exposure with damaging decibel levels from machinery or military environments.
- The use of pharmaceuticals, including high-dose aspirin or intensive antibiotics.
- Heart-related health issues, such as hypertension or other vascular disorders.
- Simple earwax blockage, which is a frequent cause of ringing.
The Effect of Untreated Tinnitus
However, persistent tinnitus can affect:
- Sleep quality.
- Cognitive functions such as memory retention and sustained attention.
- Overall emotional health.
- Your total well-being and social activities.
What You Can Do
- Hearing aids, which often reduce tinnitus by improving sound input.
- Utilizing sound machines or white noise to help mask the internal sounds.
- Reviewing and modifying current medications if they are found to be harmful to hearing.
- Adopting new habits that focus on relaxation and better sleeping patterns.
Reach out to our clinical staff today to book your comprehensive evaluation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your auditory health.