Many seniors notice persistent humming, whistling, or ringing sounds that don’t have an external source. For many older people, the presence of tinnitus can disrupt their peace of mind and lead to significant distress. While advancing in years often triggers tinnitus, it shouldn’t always be dismissed as an inevitable byproduct of aging.
The presence of tinnitus often diminishes a person’s quality of life, but it is a misconception to assume there are no available paths for management. We are investigating the nuances of tinnitus in older adults to help you determine the cause and discover available paths for relief.
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus occurs when a person hears internal sounds that do not originate from their environment. Individuals often describe the sound as a ringing noise, though hissing, buzzing, or roaring are also common. The severity varies from a minor nuisance to a major disruption, and it may be felt in a single ear or both.
According to the National Library of Medicine, in a general elderly population:
- Approximately twenty percent of seniors have tinnitus.
- 1 in 10 of those affected find that tinnitus impacts their day-to-day activities.
- There is a clear link showing that those with hearing loss have double the likelihood of tinnitus reports.
The emotional toll of unceasing tinnitus can include profound anguish, sleep deprivation, and depression. Fortunately, there are many resources and treatments accessible to those who suffer. But first, let’s examine the difference between age-related and non-age-related tinnitus.
Identifying Tinnitus Caused by Aging
One of the most common causes of tinnitus in seniors is age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis.
When aging is the primary cause, the tinnitus typically:
- Emerges slowly as the auditory pathway changes.
- Is experienced concurrently with age-related hearing loss.
- Sounds like high-pitched ringing or static.
- Is easier to detect when the surroundings are silent.
Non-Age-Related Triggers
Aging isn’t always the only factor, as many seniors experience tinnitus due to external influences, such as:
- Occupational or recreational noise damage acquired during youth.
- Ototoxic medications, such as certain specialized pharmaceuticals.
- Heart-related health issues, such as hypertension or other vascular disorders.
- An accumulation of earwax, a problem occurring regularly with advancing age.
The Impact of Untreated Tinnitus
Yet, it is important to realize that long-term tinnitus influences:
- Sleep hygiene.
- Concentration and memory.
- Overall mood balance and the possibility of increased stress.
- Your total well-being and social activities.
What You Can Do
- The use of hearing aids, which can cover the ringing by enhancing environmental input.
- Employing sound machines or ambient sound to help mask the internal sounds.
- Medication adjustments (when appropriate).
- Lifestyle adjustments to lower stress and enhance sleep.
Contact our team of professionals now to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help.