Many seniors notice ongoing humming, whistling, or ringing sounds that lack an outside origin. This condition, clinically known as tinnitus, often leads to considerable confusion and emotional distress for older adults. Although the frequency of tinnitus increases among seniors, it is crucial to recognize that not every case is a standard consequence of the aging process.
Tinnitus can interrupt and compromise your quality of life, and you should not feel forced to accept it as a requirement of the aging process. Today, we’re taking a look at what’s age-related, what isn’t, and available steps if you have tinnitus.
Defining Tinnitus: What You Need to Know
In simplest terms, tinnitus is the subjective experience of noise that others cannot perceive. Although ringing and buzzing are the primary descriptions, the sound can also present as hissing, roaring, or static. The intensity varies from a slight irritation to a major disruption, and it may be perceived in a single ear or both.
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 interferes with daily life.
- There is a strong correlation showing that those with hearing loss have double the likelihood of tinnitus reports.
Persistent or high-volume tinnitus often contributes to significant emotional distress, including anxiety, exhaustion, and depression. Professional support and management strategies are available to help mitigate these effects. Before seeking help, it is important to understand whether your tinnitus is a result of aging or other factors.
Identifying Tinnitus Caused by Aging
One of the most common causes of tinnitus in older adults is age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis.
Common characteristics of age-linked tinnitus include:
- Develops slowly over time.
- Occurs in conjunction with hearing loss.
- Sounds like sharp whistling or static.
- Becomes more noticeable in quiet environments.
Non-Age-Related Triggers
While age-related changes are a factor, many cases of tinnitus in seniors are linked to other factors, including:
- Past exposure with intense sound from machinery or military environments.
- Side effects from chemotherapy drugs, aspirin, or specific antibiotics.
- Vascular conditions, including high blood pressure.
- Simple earwax blockage, which is a common and treatable cause of ear noise.
The Effect of Untreated Tinnitus
However, ongoing tinnitus can affect:
- The overall duration of your nightly sleep.
- Your mental clarity and recall of important information.
- Psychological well-being and your overall level of stress.
- The general enjoyment you find in daily life.
Addressing Tinnitus: Steps for Older Adults
- Hearing aids, which often reduce tinnitus by improving sound input.
- Using sound therapy tools designed to train the brain to the noise.
- Evaluating and adjusting current medications if they are found to be ototoxic.
- Implementing new habits that focus on relaxation and better sleeping patterns.
Phone our team now to arrange a consultation and begin your path toward relief. We’re ready to help.