Ringing, buzzing, hissing, or humming in the ears is a common concern as people get older. This condition, referred to as tinnitus, often results in significant confusion and emotional distress for older adults. While tinnitus is more prevalent with advancing age, not all cases in seniors are simply an inevitable part of aging, and recognizing the difference is essential.
Your everyday well-being can be severely compromised by tinnitus, yet you are not required to view it as an unavoidable burden of age. Today, we are examining what’s age-related, what isn’t, and what you can do if you have tinnitus.
Understanding Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the experience of sound in the absence of outside noise. Commonly, it’s described as ringing or buzzing, but some people experience roaring, clicking, or hissing sounds. It can be constant or intermittent, occur in one or both ears, and range from mildly annoying to highly disruptive.
According to the National Library of Medicine, in a general elderly population:
- 1 in 5 people has tinnitus.
- For ten percent of people, tinnitus disrupts daily life.
- There is a clear link 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. Fortunately, there are many resources and treatments accessible to those who suffer. We will start by examining the distinctions between tinnitus caused by the aging process and other triggers.
When Tinnitus Is Age-Related
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:
- Manifests as a steady onset.
- Presents at the same time as a decline in hearing ability.
- Is frequently characterized as high-frequency ringing or electronic noise.
- Frequently feels more intrusive in a quiet room.
When Tinnitus Is Not Just About Aging
Aging isn’t always the only factor, as many seniors experience tinnitus due to environmental influences, such as:
- Past contact with intense sound from military service or factory 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.
Why Tinnitus Must Not Be Dismissed
Yet, it is important to realize that chronic tinnitus influences:
- The ability to fall and stay asleep all through the night.
- Mental capacity such as recall and sustained attention.
- Psychological well-being and your overall level of stress.
- Overall quality of life.
Managing Tinnitus: Steps for Older Adults
- The use of hearing aids, which can mask the ringing by enhancing environmental sounds.
- Employing sound machines or white noise to help mask the internal sounds.
- Modifying prescriptions (where appropriate).
- Lifestyle changes to reduce stress and enhance sleep.
Contact our team of specialists today to make an appointment. We are prepared to provide the support you need.