Ringing, buzzing, hissing, or humming in the ears is a common concern as individuals reach later life. These sounds, referred to as tinnitus, can trigger frustration and disorientation for many seniors. While advancing in years often triggers tinnitus, it must not be viewed as an inevitable consequence of aging.
Tinnitus can disrupt and diminish your quality of life, and you don’t have to simply accept it as a requirement of the aging process. Today, we are examining what’s age-related, what isn’t, and what you can do if you have tinnitus.
Defining Tinnitus: The Basics
Tinnitus occurs when a person perceives internal sounds that do not originate from their environment. Commonly, patients report ringing or buzzing, but some individuals experience hissing, clicking, or whistling. 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.
- Daily life is compromised for one out of every ten seniors living with 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. To begin, let’s explore how to tell if your tinnitus is strictly related to getting older.
Identifying Tinnitus Triggered by Aging
One of the most common causes of tinnitus in older adults is age-related hearing loss, clinically referred to as presbycusis.
When aging is the primary cause, the tinnitus typically:
- Manifests as a steady onset.
- Is experienced together with age-related hearing loss.
- Is frequently characterized as high-frequency ringing or electronic noise.
- Is easier to detect when the surroundings are silent.
Non-Age-Related Triggers
While age-related changes play a role, many cases of tinnitus in seniors are linked to other triggers, including:
- Occupational or social noise damage acquired during youth.
- The use of pharmaceuticals, like certain antibiotics or specialized treatments.
- Blood flow problems, including hypertension, that affect the ears.
- Simple earwax blockage, which is a common and treatable cause of ringing.
Why Tinnitus Shouldn’t Be Dismissed
Yet, it is essential to realize that chronic tinnitus takes a toll on:
- The overall restfulness of your evening rest.
- Concentration and memory.
- Overall emotional stability and the likelihood of increased stress.
- Your total well-being and social activities.
Managing Tinnitus: Steps for Seniors
- The use of hearing aids, which can mask the ringing by improving environmental input.
- Utilizing sound machines or white noise to help cover the internal noises.
- Reviewing and adjusting current pharmaceuticals if they are found to be harmful to hearing.
- Lifestyle changes to reduce stress and enhance sleep.
Call our team today to arrange a consultation and start your path toward relief. We are ready to provide the assistance you need.