Auditory sensations, such as ringing, humming, or static, are prevalent issues among the aging population. These sounds, known as tinnitus, can trigger frustration and disorientation for many older patients. While tinnitus is more prevalent in later life, not all cases in older adults are simply an inevitable part of aging, and recognizing the difference is important.
Tinnitus can interrupt and compromise your quality of life, and you should not feel forced to accept it as a part of the aging process. This overview covers how to distinguish age-linked tinnitus from other factors and details the next steps for those seeking support.
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus manifests when a person hears internal sounds that are not produced externally. Although ringing and buzzing are the primary descriptions, the sound can also present as hissing, roaring, or static. The sensation 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.
- Ten percent of those affected find that tinnitus significantly disrupts their daily routine.
- There is a clear link showing that those with hearing loss have a twofold increase in the risk of tinnitus reports.
If it’s loud or doesn’t let up, tinnitus can lead to fatigue, depression, anxiety, and mental and emotional anguish. Luckily, there is support available. To begin, let’s explore how to tell if your tinnitus is strictly related to getting older.
Identifying Tinnitus Caused by Aging
Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, stands as a primary driver of tinnitus among the elderly.
When aging is the primary cause, the tinnitus typically:
- Emerges slowly as the auditory pathway changes.
- Is experienced concurrently with age-related hearing impairment.
- Is often described as sharp ringing or static-like noise.
- Is easier to detect when the surroundings are silent.
When Tinnitus Is Not Just About Aging
It is important to look beyond age, as many instances of tinnitus are caused by manageable medical or environmental factors, like:
- Past contact with intense sound from military service or factory environments.
- The use of specific drugs, including certain antibiotics or specialized treatments.
- Vascular conditions, including high blood pressure.
- An accumulation of earwax, a condition occurring regularly with advancing age.
The Impact of Ongoing Tinnitus
Yet, it is important to realize that chronic tinnitus influences:
- Sleep quality.
- Your daily focus and the ability to recall important information.
- Overall emotional health.
- Your total well-being and social activities.
What You Can Do
- The use of hearing aids, which can mask the ringing by enhancing environmental sounds.
- Employing sound machines or ambient sound to help mask the internal noises.
- Working with a physician to change prescriptions that may be triggering the noise.
- Adopting new habits that focus on stress reduction and better sleep patterns.
Contact our team of specialists today to schedule an appointment. Our staff is dedicated to supporting your hearing health.