Ikäkuulonaleneminen

Ikäkuulonaleneminen, also known as presbycusis, is a gradual loss of hearing that develops as people age. It is one of the most common chronic health conditions affecting older adults, typically beginning around age 60 and worsening over time. This condition affects both ears equally and is usually sensorineural in nature, meaning it stems from damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve.

The primary causes of ikäkuulonaleneminen are the cumulative effects of aging on the auditory system, including changes in the hair cells within the cochlea and the neurons of the auditory nerve. While aging is the main factor, other contributing elements can accelerate or exacerbate the condition. These include prolonged exposure to loud noises throughout life, certain genetic predispositions, medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, and the use of ototoxic medications that can damage hearing.

Symptoms of ikäkuulonaleneminen often appear subtly. Early signs may include difficulty hearing in noisy environments, a need to turn up the volume on televisions or radios, and a tendency to misunderstand speech, especially consonants. Individuals may also experience tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. As the condition progresses, higher-frequency sounds become harder to discern, making it challenging to understand conversations.

Diagnosis is typically made through a hearing test called an audiogram, which measures the ability to hear different frequencies at varying loudness levels. While ikäkuulonaleneminen cannot be cured or reversed, its effects can be managed. Hearing aids are the most common treatment, amplifying sounds to make them audible. In some cases, cochlear implants may be an option for severe hearing loss. Early detection and intervention are important to maintain communication abilities and quality of life.