Sensorineural hearing loss affecting elderly individuals

Typically, high frequency hearing is affected bilaterally = conversation difficulties, especially in noisy environments

Presbycusis progresses slowly, as sensory hair cells and neurons in the cochlea atrophy over time.

Although certain factors are associated with presbycusis, it is distinct from noise-related hearing loss.

Epidemiology

• Males are at slightly higher risk of developing presbycusis compared to females (55%:45%)

Causes

• The precise cause is unknown however is likely multifactorial
• Accumulated exposure to noise
• Arteriosclerosis: May cause diminished perfusion and oxygenation of the cochlea, resulting in damage to inner ear structures
• Diabetes: Acceleration of arteriosclerosis
• Drug exposure (Salicylates, chemotherapy agents etc.)
• Stress
• Genetic: Certain individuals may be programmed for the early ageing of the auditory system

PC

Patients typically present with a chronic, slowly progressing history of:

• Speech becoming difficult to understand