Hearing loss with age is not normal physiological aging: It's noise-induced hearing loss

Summary

Moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss is believed inevitable with age, exemplified by the terms presbycusis and age-related hearing loss. The literature, however, suggests that this is not normal physiological aging but is largely caused by excessive cumulative lifetime exposure to noise, i.e., it is noise-induced hearing loss. Studies done in the 1960s in isolated populations not exposed to loud noise found that auditory sensitivity was preserved into old age. Occupational studies have established noise exposures causing hearing loss. The mechanisms of noise-induced hearing loss have been elucidated down to the cellular, intracellular, and genetic levels. Anatomic studies have confirmed that noise causes hearing loss in the elderly. Why does this matter? Amplification remains the only treatment for sensorineural hearing loss, but does not restore normal hearing. Prevention of disease is better and less costly than treatment. If a condition common in old age is inevitable, e.g., thinning graying hair, prevention isn’t possible. If it is caused by diet, obesity, inadequate exercise, or exposures, e.g., hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, cancers, dementia, and noise-induced hearing loss, perhaps its onset can be delayed or even prevented. Sociocusis and noise-induced hearing loss in elderly individuals better describe preventable hearing loss in older people.