Ringing, buzzing, hissing, or humming in the ears is a common concern as people get older. For many seniors, the presence of tinnitus can disrupt their peace of mind and lead to significant distress. Even though age is a major factor, differentiating between age-induced tinnitus and other underlying causes is vital for effective care.
Your everyday well-being can be greatly impacted by tinnitus, yet you are not required to view it as an unavoidable burden of age. We are exploring the nuances of tinnitus in older adults to help you determine the cause and find available paths for relief.
What Is Tinnitus?
In basic language, tinnitus is the subjective experience of noise that no one else can hear. While many characterize the sensation as a buzzing or ringing sensation, others may hear hissing, clicking, or even roaring noises. The experience can be localized in one or both ears, appearing either constantly or occasionally throughout the day.
Research cited by the National Library of Medicine reveals important trends among seniors:
- One out of every five seniors is affected by tinnitus symptoms.
- Ten percent of those affected find that tinnitus significantly disrupts their day-to-day activities.
- Individuals with hearing loss faced double the risk of tinnitus.
If it’s loud or doesn’t let up, tinnitus can lead to fatigue, depression, anxiety, and mental and emotional anguish. Luckily, there is support available. To begin, let’s explore how to tell if your tinnitus is strictly related to getting older.
When Tinnitus Is Age-Related
One of the primary drivers of tinnitus in seniors is age-related hearing loss, clinically referred to as presbycusis.
In these cases, tinnitus often:
- Develops slowly over time.
- Occurs alongside hearing loss.
- Takes the form of constant high-pitched ringing.
- Frequently feels more intrusive in a quiet room.
Non-Age-Related Triggers
It is important to look beyond age, as many instances of tinnitus are caused by treatable medical or environmental factors, like:
- Occupational or social noise damage acquired during youth.
- The use of pharmaceuticals, including high-dose aspirin or intensive antibiotics.
- Heart-related health issues, such as hypertension or other vascular disorders.
- An excess of earwax, a problem occurring more frequently with advancing age.
Why Tinnitus Must Not Be Dismissed
Yet, it is important to realize that long-term tinnitus influences:
- The capacity to drift off and remain asleep all through the night.
- Concentration and memory.
- Overall emotional stability and the potential for increased stress.
- Overall quality of life.
What You Can Do
- Hearing aids, which frequently lessen tinnitus by improving sound input.
- Sound masking or masking techniques.
- Evaluating and modifying current pharmaceuticals if they are found to be ototoxic.
- Implementing new habits that focus on relaxation and better sleep patterns.
Reach out to our clinical staff today to arrange your full evaluation. We’re ready to help.
