Auditory phantom sounds like buzzing or ringing in the ears is a frequent issue as people get older. For many older people, the presence of tinnitus can disrupt their peace of mind and lead to significant distress. While advancing in years often triggers tinnitus, it shouldn’t always be dismissed as an inevitable byproduct of aging.
Tinnitus can disrupt and diminish your quality of life, and you don’t have to simply accept it as a part of the aging process. Today, we are examining what’s age-related, what isn’t, and what you can do if you have tinnitus.
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus occurs when a person hears internal sounds that do not originate from their environment. While many describe it as a ringing or whistling sensation, others may hear roaring, static, or clicking noises. Whether it is a steady noise or one that is intermittent, tinnitus can range from a slight irritation to a severe disruption.
The National Library of Medicine reports the following statistics regarding the senior population:
- Approximately twenty percent of seniors have tinnitus.
- For 1 in 10, tinnitus disrupts daily life.
- The data shows that individuals with hearing impairment face an increased likelihood of developing tinnitus.
If it’s loud or doesn’t let up, tinnitus can lead to fatigue, depression, anxiety, and mental and emotional anguish. Professional support and management strategies are available to help mitigate these effects. To begin, let’s explore how to tell if your tinnitus is strictly related to getting older.
When Tinnitus Is Age-Related
Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, remains a primary cause of tinnitus among the elderly.
When aging is the primary cause, the tinnitus typically:
- Manifests as a progressive onset.
- Presents at the same time as a decline in hearing ability.
- Takes the form of constant high-pitched ringing.
- Is easier to detect when the surroundings are silent.
When Tinnitus Is Not Just About Aging
It is vital to look beyond age, as many cases of tinnitus are caused by treatable medical or environmental factors, like:
- Occupational or recreational noise damage acquired during youth.
- Ototoxic medications, such as certain specialized pharmaceuticals.
- Cardiovascular conditions, such as high blood pressure.
- An excess of earwax, a condition occurring regularly with advancing age.
Why Tinnitus Shouldn’t Be Dismissed
Yet, it is important to realize that chronic tinnitus influences:
- The capacity to drift off and remain asleep throughout the night.
- Cognitive functions such as recall and daily attention.
- Overall emotional stability and the possibility of increased anxiety.
- Your standard of life and social activities.
What You Can Do
- Hearing aids, which often reduce tinnitus by improving sound input.
- Utilizing sound machines or ambient sound to help mask the internal noises.
- Working with a physician to adjust prescriptions that may be causing the noise.
- Adopting new habits that focus on relaxation and better sleep patterns.
Get in touch with our clinical staff immediately to book your comprehensive evaluation. Our team is committed to supporting your auditory health.
