Age related hearing loss is the gradual decrease in hearing that happens as people get older. It is also called presbycusis and usually affects both ears.

This condition is common across India and it often begins with difficulty hearing high pitched sounds or following speech in noise. Age related hearing loss affects about one in three adults over 65 according to studies. Left un-addressed it can increase the risk of social withdrawal, cognitive strain and falls. So find the best ear nose and throat clinic to get timely evaluation and treatment.

In this blog our ENT team explains how age related hearing loss develops, what symptoms to watch for and which treatments help. Ascent Hospital, the best ENT Hospital in Kerala is  Kerala's first ISO and NABH accredited ENT specialty hospital and we provide advanced diagnosis and care, even in our branches Ascent hospital Calicut and Ascent hospital Palakkad.

What Really Causes It

The biology behind age related hearing loss is multifactorial. Over time tiny sensory hair cells in the cochlea wear out, the auditory nerve can transmit signals less efficiently and the brain needs more effort to process speech sounds. Lifetime noise exposure, genetic susceptibility and health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure can speed the process. Certain medicines are ototoxic, and long standing earwax or middle ear disease may add to hearing difficulty even if the main problem is in the inner ear.

Two points matter for most people:

• The loss is typically sensorineural and usually worse at high frequencies first, so consonants like s, f or t are harder to hear.

• Both ears are often affected, though not always equally, which is why many people think others are mumbling.

Early Symptoms to Notice

Symptoms of age related hearing loss often start subtly then progress.

• Trouble hearing conversations in restaurants or near traffic

• Frequently asking people to repeat, especially soft or high pitched voices

• Turning up the TV volume beyond what family prefers

• Ringing or buzzing in the ears, known as tinnitus

• Feeling tired or stressed after long conversations

Sudden hearing loss over hours or a day is a medical emergency and is not typical of age related change. If this happens seek 24 hrs ENT help promptly at Ascent ENT Hospital.

How ENTs Diagnose the Problem

To confirm age related hearing loss your ENT Doctor in Kerala will review symptoms and arrange a comprehensive hearing evaluation. This usually includes a visual ear exam to rule out wax, then several painless tests.

Key tests and what they show

Your ENT specialist may also review medicines, noise history and medical issues that can influence hearing. The goal is to separate permanent inner ear changes from treatable outer or middle ear problems.

Treatment Options that Work

Treatment for age related hearing loss focuses on improving communication and safety rather than restoring hair cells that are already damaged.

Advanced Digital Hearing Aids

For most people with age related hearing loss advanced digital hearing aids are the first line option. Properly fitted devices can:

• Amplify the exact pitches you are missing while controlling loud sounds

• Use directional microphones and noise reduction for better clarity in restaurants

• Stream calls and TV audio from your phone for easier listening

At Ascent Hospital Kerala, our audiology team programs and fine tunes digital hearing aids to your audiogram then coaches you through real life use so you adapt faster and hear more naturally. Our team also includes the best tympanoplasty surgeon in Kerala, ensuring complete care when surgical repair of the eardrum is needed.

Cochlear Implants for Severe Loss

If you have severe or profound age related hearing loss and hearing aids do not help enough a cochlear implant may be considered. At Ascent, patients are guided by the best cochlear implant specialist in Kerala, ensuring accurate evaluation and personalized treatment planning. This device bypasses damaged hair cells and directly stimulates the hearing nerve. Candidacy depends on speech understanding scores, medical fitness and motivation for rehabilitation. As the best  cochlear implantation hospital in Kerala Ascent provides comprehensive care from diagnosis to surgery and rehabilitation. The procedure is performed by the best cochlear implant surgeon in India, ensuring safe surgery and excellent hearing outcomes. Alongside cochlear care, Ascent is also known for having the best stapedectomy surgeon in Kerala, offering highly skilled middle ear surgical expertise.

Rehabilitation and Communication Coaching

• Auditory training can improve how your brain processes amplified sounds

• Family communication strategies help a lot, for example face the listener, reduce background noise and speak at a steady pace

• Assistive devices like TV streamers, remote microphones and captioning apps can boost understanding in tough listening places

We also work closely with the best ossiculoplasty surgeon in Kerala to support patients who may benefit from ossicular chain reconstruction.

Managing Related Health Issues

Control cardiovascular risks, manage diabetes, review potentially ototoxic medicines with your doctor and treat coexisting ear conditions. These steps support better hearing stability and overall wellness.

Choosing the Right Care in Kerala

Finding the right team is as important as choosing the device. If you want a personalised plan and clear follow up, meet the best Doctor for hearing loss at Ascent. You’ll also have access to the best stapedectomy surgeon in India, ensuring advanced expertise for complex ear procedures.

Living Well with Hearing Changes

Living well with age related hearing loss takes practice and support.

• Tell friends and family the best ways to speak with you, like getting your attention first and facing you in good light

• Pick quieter tables in restaurants and sit with your back to the wall to reduce noise behind you

• Use phone features like live captions and adjust audio balance during calls

• Join group sessions for device care and listening skills if offered by your clinic

Consistency matters. Wear your hearing aids during all waking hours to help your brain relearn sounds and speech patterns.

Can You Prevent or Slow It

You can slow age related hearing loss by protecting your ears across life. Turn down volume on headphones, use earplugs at loud events, take quiet breaks during noisy tasks and schedule routine hearing checks from age 50 or earlier if you have risks. Maintain good control of blood pressure and blood sugar. If you notice new tinnitus, ear fullness or a sudden drop in hearing, book a prompt assessment at Ascent Hospital.

Summary and Next Steps

Age related hearing loss is common in older adults, and it brings day to day communication challenges. Early diagnosis, expert fitting of digital hearing aids, clear communication strategies and in selected cases cochlear implants can restore confidence and safety. Ascent Hospital, best ENT Clinic in Kerala, offers complete evaluation and treatment at our centres in Calicut and Palakkad.

Ready to hear better? Book an appointment with our ENT team today for personalised guidance and timely care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is age related hearing loss reversible? 

No. The inner ear hair cells do not regrow in humans. The good news is that most people improve communication greatly with hearing aids and rehabilitation.

How do I know if I need two hearing aids?

 If both ears have hearing loss you usually benefit from two devices. This improves sound localization and speech clarity in noise.

Will tinnitus improve with treatment?

Many people find that well fitted hearing aids reduce the perception of ringing by providing richer sound input. Relaxation techniques and sound therapy can also help.

When should I seek urgent care?

 Sudden loss in one ear over hours or a day, new severe dizziness or ear pain with discharge needs urgent ENT evaluation.

How often should I get my hearing tested?

 Every one to two years after 50, or sooner if you notice changes. Earlier and more frequent testing is wise if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or regular loud noise exposure.

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