Auditory phantom sounds like buzzing or ringing in the ears is a frequent issue as individuals reach later life. For many older people, the presence of tinnitus can disrupt their mental clarity and create a sense of disorientation. While getting older often brings about tinnitus, it shouldn’t always be dismissed as an inevitable byproduct of aging.
You do not have to resignedly accept tinnitus as a normal part of the aging experience, especially when it impacts your well-being. Today, we’re taking a look at what’s age-related, what isn’t, and what you can do if you have tinnitus.
Understanding Tinnitus
In simplest terms, tinnitus is the personal experience of noise that no one else can hear. Although ringing and buzzing are the primary descriptions, the sound can also present as hissing, roaring, or static. The sensation can be localized in one or both ears, occurring either sporadically or continuously throughout the day.
The National Library of Medicine reports the following statistics regarding the senior population:
- 1 in 5 people has tinnitus.
- Daily life is affected for one out of every ten seniors living with tinnitus.
- Individuals with hearing loss were twice as likely to have tinnitus.
Persistent or high-volume tinnitus often contributes to significant emotional distress, including anxiety, exhaustion, and depression. The good news is that no one has to manage these symptoms without professional help. But first, let’s examine the difference between age-related and non-age-related tinnitus.
Identifying Tinnitus Caused by Aging
One of the primary drivers of tinnitus in seniors is age-related hearing loss, clinically referred to as presbycusis.
In these cases, tinnitus often:
- Emerges slowly as the auditory system changes.
- Is experienced together with age-related hearing impairment.
- Is often described as high-frequency ringing or static-like noise.
- Becomes more noticeable in quiet environments.
Non-Age-Related Triggers
While age-related changes are a factor, many cases of tinnitus in seniors are linked to other factors, including:
- Noise exposure earlier in life, including industrial labor, military duty, or music.
- Medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, aspirin, or specific antibiotics.
- Circulatory system problems, including high blood pressure, that affect the ears.
- Simple earwax blockage, which is a frequent cause of ringing.
The Impact of Ongoing Tinnitus
However, ongoing tinnitus can impact:
- The ability to fall and stay asleep all through the night.
- Your mental clarity and recall of important information.
- Mood and anxiety levels.
- Overall quality of life.
What You Can Do
- Wearing hearing aids to provide the brain with more auditory input and lessen tinnitus focus.
- Engaging in sound therapy tools designed to habituate the brain to the noise.
- Working with a doctor to change prescriptions that may be causing the noise.
- Lifestyle changes to lower stress and improve sleep.
Contact our team of specialists now to make an appointment. Our team is dedicated to supporting your auditory health.