The term “presbycusis” refers to the slow and progressive loss of hearing that affects both ears to the same degree, usually starting around the age of 50. This age-related loss of hearing most often starts in the high-frequency range, where conversation is conducted. As a result, those suffering from presbycusis are likely to find that their ability to understand speech is hindered more than their ability to hear sounds. This is particularly true in cases where presbycusis sufferers are trying to hear a conversation in noisy environments. The term “cocktail party effect” refers to the ability to focus on a single conversation in a noisy room. The experience of this, and other presbycusis-related symptoms, should prompt a hearing test.
P.S. Presbycusis can be hereditary. This means that if your close family members have experienced age-related hearing loss, you could have it as well.
Our noisy world offers no guarantees that we’ll have perfect hearing throughout our lives. It is our responsibility to protect our hearing, both in our recreational pursuits and in our home and work environments. Once we notice a loss of hearing, we should do all we can to correct any impairments we are faced with. If you don’t hear as well as you feel you should, don’t wait until you’re feeling left out. Have your hearing checked by a Doctor of Audiology. At EAR & HEARING CLINIC, helping you achieve your optimum hearing potential is our only business. As registered members of the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario, we are among the highest qualified regulated hearing health care professionals in Canada.
