IV. What is presbycusis?
Solution
Presbycusis, also known as age-related hearing loss, is the gradual loss of hearing that occurs as people age. It is a common condition that affects 1 in 3 adults over the age of 65. Here are the steps to understand it:
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Understanding the Term: "Presbycusis" is derived from two Greek words: "presbys" meaning "old man" and "akousis" meaning "hearing". It literally translates to "old man hearing".
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Cause: It is caused by changes in the inner ear as we age, but it can also result from changes in the middle ear, or from complex changes along the nerve pathways leading to the brain.
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Symptoms: Presbycusis most often occurs in both ears, affecting them equally. Because the loss of hearing is so gradual, people with presbycusis may not realize that their hearing is diminishing.
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Diagnosis: It is diagnosed based on the individual's history and a physical exam. The doctor may also perform a hearing test to determine the extent of the loss.
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Treatment: While it cannot be reversed, there are steps that can be taken to improve what hearing is left. This can include using hearing aids, assistive devices, and learning to read lips.
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