Why hearing loss happens in old age?

Age related hearing loss is seen in 30% adults between the age of 60-70 years. At the age of 80 years, this is seen in upto 70% of adults. They may not be able to hear a people talking near them. This type of hearing loss is sensorinuclear loss in which both cochlear hair cells and ganglion cells of vestibulocochlear nerve are affected.

Management of age-related hearing loss

Although cochlear implants seem to be an obvious cure for this but hearing aids are more frequently used. Cochlear implants require a surgical procedure. However, hearing aid is simply a device that is put in ear and does not require surgery.

How do hearing aids work in this condition?

Hearing aids work by amplifying the sound waves so that the damaged hear can hear the sound. These are suitable to less severe hearing loss and fair speech understanding.

How do cochlear implants work?

Cochlear implants are implanted surgically in the head. They work by bypassing the damaged part of ear and directly conducting the sound waves to the auditory nerve. This is needed for a more severe hearing impairment in one or both ears.