Many seniors notice ongoing humming, whistling, or ringing sounds that lack an outside origin. These sounds, referred to as tinnitus, can cause distress and confusion for many seniors. While getting older often triggers tinnitus, it must not be viewed as an inevitable byproduct of aging.
You do not have to resignedly accept tinnitus as a standard part of the aging experience, especially when it interferes with your mental health. We are investigating the nuances of tinnitus in seniors to help you identify the cause and find available paths for relief.
What Is Tinnitus?
The clinical description of tinnitus is hearing sound when no actual external noise is present. While many characterize the sensation as a buzzing or ringing sensation, others may hear hissing, clicking, or even roaring noises. The intensity varies from a slight irritation to a significant impairment, and it may be felt in a single ear or both.
Research cited by the National Library of Medicine reveals important trends among seniors:
- 1 in 5 people has tinnitus.
- 1 in 10 of those affected find that tinnitus significantly disrupts their daily routine.
- Individuals with hearing loss faced double the risk of tinnitus.
The emotional toll of unceasing tinnitus can include profound anguish, sleep deprivation, and depression. Professional support and management strategies are available to help mitigate these effects. But first, let’s examine the difference between age-related and non-age-related tinnitus.
When Tinnitus Is Age-Related
Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, remains a primary cause of tinnitus among the elderly.
In these cases, tinnitus often:
- Develops slowly over time.
- Presents at the same time as a decrease in hearing ability.
- Takes the form of persistent static.
- Frequently feels more intrusive in a quiet room.
Non-Age-Related Causes
While age-related changes are a factor, many cases of tinnitus in seniors are linked to other factors, including:
- Past contact with damaging decibel levels from military service or factory environments.
- Medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, aspirin, or specific antibiotics.
- Heart-related health issues, such as high blood pressure or other vascular disorders.
- An excess of earwax, a problem occurring more frequently with advancing age.
The Effect of Untreated Tinnitus
However, ongoing tinnitus can impact:
- The ability to fall and stay asleep all through the night.
- Cognitive functions such as memory retention and sustained attention.
- Psychological well-being and your overall level of stress.
- Your standard of life and social activities.
Addressing Tinnitus: Steps for Seniors
- Wearing hearing aids to provide the brain with more auditory stimulation and reduce tinnitus focus.
- Sound masking or masking techniques.
- Evaluating and modifying current pharmaceuticals if they are found to be ototoxic.
- Adopting new habits that focus on stress reduction and better sleeping patterns.
Get in touch with our medical staff immediately to book your full evaluation. Our team is committed to supporting your auditory health.