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Presbycusis: What Is Age-Related Hearing Loss?

Presbycusis: What Is Age-Related Hearing Loss?

by | Mar 29, 2024 | Patient Resources

Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, is the effect of getting older on your vestibular (hearing) system. Age-related hearing loss is the most common cause of hearing loss there is—it’s very common. 

As we get older, the delicate nerve endings of our inner ears naturally begin to deteriorate, something that’s irreversible but not untreatable. With the help of assistive hearing technology and professional hearing care, it’s possible to regain some level of hearing.  

Presbycusis isn’t something to be ashamed of. Rather, we see age-related hearing loss as a positive! You’ve not only lived an exciting, busy life, but you’ve been living that life to the very fullest at concerts, restaurants, and other loud environments. It’s not a sign that you’re old; it’s a sign that you’ve lived. 

If you’re reading this and have noticed some struggles in hearing as you’ve gotten older, you’re in the right place. Professional hearing care tailored to your unique needs could be what you need to rejoin the conversation and enjoy better, stronger hearing health. 

Details About Presbycusis 

Age-related hearing loss affects around 80% of people aged 80 or older—it’s increasingly common and increasingly easier to manage. It’s the most common type of hearing loss, as it’s a kind that isn’t caused by accidental noise exposure or infection. 

Presbycusis does slowly progress over time; as we get older, more and more hair cells in our inner ears stop functioning as normal. With timely intervention, you can regain some hearing with the help of hearing aids and professional, personalized hearing care. 

Hearing loss associated with age has some negative stigmas attached to it, mostly as a result of the general fear of aging. However, presbycusis happens to us all, quite naturally—there’s nothing to be scared or ashamed of.  

We have seen cases of some people waiting up to seven years before seeking out help after noticing a hearing loss challenge—take charge of your hearing with a comprehensive hearing assessment sooner rather than later. 

Take Control of Your Hearing Health 

Our team of award-winning Doctors of Audiology are here to help you. If you or a loved one are concerned about your hearing, or you have some questions about what professional hearing care entails, please don’t hesitate to ask us—after all, there’s no such thing as a silly question! 

You can request a callback with us here; simply fill out the form and we’ll get back to you with a friendly, no-obligation conversation to answer any questions you may have.  

If you’d rather get a jumpstart on your hearing care journey, feel free to find your closest location and call us at (435) 688-8991 (Utah locations) or (702) 896-0031 (Nevada locations). 

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Dr. Richard Luekenga

Dr. Luekenga opened Hearing & Balance Doctors of Utah in 2005. Since that time he has been dedicated to creating state-of-the-art facilities filled with the latest technology along with the most qualified and caring hearing healthcare team. He received his Doctor of Audiology from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. His doctorate is supported by his B.A. at Utah State University, clinical fellowship at Bountiful Hearing Center and further clinical experience at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital, IHC Hearing and Balance Center, The Kosair Children’s Hospital, Heuser Hearing Institute (Deaf Oral School), and Avada Hearing and Balance Center, to name a few. With this long list of experience, it is clear that Dr. Luekenga is very passionate about good hearing and is well-versed in the advances of hearing aid technology. He is equally as passionate about helping patients that feel off-balance, dizzy, lightheaded, or unsteady, and understands the need these patients have to get back on their feet! Additionally, he provides counseling and therapy for patients who experience tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in their ears).

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