Look After Your Ear Health Now: 10 Surprises About Ageing Ears
Our bodies are continually changing as we journey through life, and ear health is no exception to this truth. Age-related changes can have a significant impact on our hearing health. While we’re on this topic, let’s shed some light on the intricacies of the cochlea and the vestibule and learn about two types of hearing loss (presbycusis and hyperacusis).
The Ageing Process of the Cochlea
The cochlea, a snail-shaped structure within the inner ear, is vital for our brains to perceive sound. With age, the cochlea undergoes natural changes, including the deterioration of the small hair cells inside it and a reduction in its blood supply. These changes can contribute to developing presbycusis, the most common form of age-related hearing loss (read more about this below).
The Vestibule: Balance and Ageing
The vestibule in the inner ear is responsible for our sense of balance. As we age, the vestibular system can experience degenerative changes. This leads to a higher risk of dizziness, vertigo, and other balance disorders.
Presbycusis: The Stealthy Thief of Sound
Presbycusis is the gradual loss of hearing that occurs as part of the ageing process, and it affects the ear health of millions worldwide. Various factors contribute to this gradual hearing loss, including genetics, long-term noise exposure, and age-related changes in the body. Recognising the signs and acting early can mitigate the effects of declining ear health.
If you are experiencing gradual ear loss, please book an appointment and contact us to take preventative measures today.
Hyperacusis: The Heightened Sensitivity
Hyperacusis is an abnormal sensitivity to everyday sounds and can be an unexpected consequence of ageing ears. The auditory system becomes more susceptible to discomfort over time. Causes include cochlear damage, changes in your brain, and other underlying medical conditions. Understanding hyperacusis empowers individuals to seek proper diagnosis and tailor treatment options for better ear health. You can view our ear treatment options at https://www.harleystreetent.com/Our-Services/Ear/Ear-Treatment-Options.
Tinnitus: The Phantom Symphony
Tinnitus, often described as a “phantom sound” or “ringing in the ears”, can accompany the ageing process. Around 13% of adults in the UK (7.1 million people) experience prolonged tinnitus. The prevalence of tinnitus increases with age, but it can occur at any age and even children may experience this ear health phenomenon. If you experience consistent ringing in your ear, then please give us a call.
Ototoxic Medications: Medicinal Side Effects
Certain medications, known as ototoxic drugs, can harm hearing health. There are common medications that may pose a risk to your hearing function. Examples of ototoxic drugs include antimalarials like quinine (found in tonic water) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Understanding the potential impact of your medication allows for informed decision-making in collaboration with your healthcare team.
Reduced Auditory Processing Speed
With age, the speed at which the brain processes auditory information can decrease, and this impacts the health of your ears. Difficulties following rapid conversation and understanding speech in noisy places are all common with age. The effects of reduced auditory processing speed are offset by techniques to enhance listening comprehension and cognitive functioning. Ask your healthcare team for more advice on this to maintain the quality of your hearing.
Difficulty Localising Sounds
As we age, the ability to accurately locate the source of sounds may diminish. This can affect spatial awareness, making it challenging to identify the direction from which a sound originates. It’s important to remember that your ear health is about more than just conversations – it can be vital for understanding the world around you. With our healthcare team, you can explore strategies for enhancing your localisation abilities.
Decreased Tolerance to Loud Sounds
As we age, our ears may become more sensitive to loud sounds. Prolonged or repeated exposure to loud noises can accelerate hearing loss and increase the risk of developing hyperacusis. Using ear protection in noisy environments reduces your exposure to excessive noise and safeguards your ear health.
Earwax Accumulation: The Silent Barrier
As we age, earwax (known as “cerumen”) can accumulate more easily, leading to blockages that affect hearing. The composition and consistency of earwax changes with age, making it stickier and harder to naturally expel. Regular earwax management is crucial to regulating the impact of excessive earwax on your ear health. We deal regularly with ear blockages and are happy to assist all our patients with safe and effective earwax removal.
Ageing Gracefully
As our ears gracefully navigate the journey of ageing, understanding the ways they can change empowers us to make informed decisions about our ear health. Recognising the impact of the ageing process on different parts of the ears helps us to take proactive measures and preserve these wonderful organs. At The Harley Street ENT Clinic, we stand ready to provide expert care and personalised support for you as you grow.
Head to https://www.harleystreetent.com/Our-Services/Ear/Ear-Treatment-Options to learn more about our ear treatment options and safeguard your ear health.
