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Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)

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What is age-related hearing loss?

Age-related hearing loss (or presbycusis) is a form of hearing loss that occurs gradually during the aging process. Usually, this type of hearing loss affects both ears. Depending on certain factors, age-related hearing loss can start in a person's thirties or forties and usually increases gradually over time.

It is one of the most common conditions affecting older and elderly adults.

Learn how you can help someone with hearing loss

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Book a complimentary assessment for age-related hearing loss

Schedule a complimentary hearing assessment to find out if you have presbycusis. We can explain your condition and suggest treatment options.
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What causes age-related hearing loss?

Most commonly, it arises due to changes in the inner ear as you grow older. The following factors can influence age-related hearing loss:

  • Genes
  • Certain medical conditions
  • Side effects of certain drugs and medications
  • Age
  • Smoking
  • Repeated exposure to loud noises

Learn about other causes of hearing loss


Did you know?

While men are more likely to develop a hearing loss in higher frequencies, women often have hearing loss in lower frequencies.

The frequency of your hearing loss refers to whether you are having trouble hearing high-pitched or low-pitched sounds.

Learn about high-frequency hearing loss

Learn about low-frequency hearing loss

6 common signs and symptoms of age-related hearing loss

The signs and symptoms of age-related hearing loss can vary from person to person, but some of the most common symptoms include the following:

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1. You have difficulty following group conversations (especially when background noise is present)
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2. You have trouble understanding speech communicated over loudspeakers in public places - such as in an airport or at work
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3. Loud noises are more irritating than they used to be
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4. Sounds seem unclear or people sound like they are mumbling
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5. Low-pitched voices seem easier to hear than high-pitched voices
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6. You hear ringing or buzzing sounds in your ears (called tinnitus)
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How is age-related hearing loss treated?

The best treatment option for someone with age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) will depend on the person's overall health, age and the severity of the hearing loss.

The most common treatment for age-related hearing loss is hearing aids, but the treatment may also include using assistive devices and/or learning lip reading techniques.

Book complimentary hearing assessment 

Hearing loss treatment

How can you protect your hearing as you age?

Since age-related hearing loss is irreversible, prevention is important. Below are some of the most effective ways to prevent it:

  • Avoid (or reduce exposure to) excessively loud noises
  • Avoid smoking
  • Seek treatment for hearing health conditions (such as ear infections)
  • Wear ear protection in loud environments (ear plugs, earmuffs)

FAQs about age-related hearing loss

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Dr. Ryan Potter

About Ryan Potter, Au.D.
Ryan Potter, Au.D., has been a hearing care provider for over 18 years. He is Vice President of Audiology for HearingLife, leading the continuous growth and education of our hearing health care providers. He also leads the training of new generations of hearing health care providers through our Apprentice and Extern Programs. Click here to read his complete bio and learn more about his education and background.

Last reviewed 2025-07-01

Sources

1. https://www.hearingloss.org/hearing-help/hearing-loss-basics/age-related
2. https://bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2318-10-S1-L82