WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS?
Those who had occupational exposure to noise, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, associated comorbidities like hypertension( high blood pressure), increased viscosity of the blood, cardiovascular ( heart and blood vessels), cerebrovascular( brain and blood vessels),and gene mutation are some of the risk or predisposing factors.
WHAT ARE THE CHANGES THAT OCCUR?
There will be changes in the tympanic membrane ( ear drum) ossicles( small bones in the middle ear) , degeneration of hair cells( sense organ ) and nerve fibers and also some changes in the hearing (auditory) processing and pathway.
HOW DO YOU NOTICE HEARING LOSS?
Difficulty in hearing a conversation in presence of background noise, others will have to repeat a sentence, will have to increase the television volume. Tinnitus or ringing sensation in the ear will be present . Sometimes there will be abnormal growth in loudness perception, which can be annoying if someone talks loudly and can lead on to hesitancy in mingling with a crowd.
HOW TO MANAGE THE CONDITION ?
Hear the problem of the person patiently and do audiological( hearing) tests, which will confirm the diagnosis. Condition is progressive, try to REDUCE the background noise while talking to them, try to have a FACE to FACE conversation. Some will need counseling and support.
Use of wireless headphones for television, louder door bells, alternative alert system, lip reading can help. Tinnitus retraining therapy and sound therapy for associated tinnitus if it's bothersome. In SEVERE cases ,opt for HEARING AID. Some are opting for cochlear implant as well in some countries.
UNDERSTAND THEIR PROBLEM AND HAVE SOME PATIENCE WHILE DEALING WITH PRESBYCUSIS PERSONS.
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