Auditory sensations, such as hissing, buzzing, or ringing, are widespread complaints among the aging population. For many older people, the presence of tinnitus can interfere with their peace of mind and create a sense of disorientation. While tinnitus is more prevalent with advancing age, not all cases in seniors are simply “age-related,” and understanding the difference is essential.
You do not have to resignedly accept tinnitus as a standard part of the aging experience, especially when it interferes with your mental health. In this guide, we will examine the differences between age-related and non-age-related triggers, along with practical steps for managing tinnitus.
What Is Tinnitus?
In basic language, tinnitus is the subjective experience of sound that others cannot perceive. Individuals often describe the sound as a high-pitched ring, though hissing, buzzing, or roaring are also common. It can be constant or intermittent, occur in one or both ears, and range from mildly annoying to highly disruptive.
The National Library of Medicine reports the following statistics regarding the senior population:
- Approximately twenty percent of seniors have tinnitus.
- Daily life is affected for one out of every ten seniors living with tinnitus.
- There is a clear link showing that those with hearing loss have double the likelihood of tinnitus prevalence.
When the noise is intrusive or constant, it can result in mental health challenges such as fatigue and severe anxiety. Professional support and management strategies are available to help mitigate these effects. To begin, let’s explore how to tell if your tinnitus is strictly related to getting older.
Identifying Tinnitus Caused by Aging
Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, remains a primary cause of tinnitus in the senior population.
In these cases, tinnitus often:
- Develops gradually over time.
- Presents at the same time as a decrease in hearing ability.
- Sounds like high-pitched ringing or static.
- Becomes more noticeable in quiet environments.
When Tinnitus Is Not Just About Aging
While age-related changes are a factor, many cases of tinnitus in older adults are linked to other factors, including:
- Noise exposure earlier in life, including industrial labor, military duty, or music.
- Ototoxic medications, such as certain specialized pharmaceuticals.
- Vascular conditions, such as high blood pressure.
- Simple earwax blockage, which is a frequent cause of ear noise.
Why Tinnitus Shouldn’t Be Dismissed
Yet, it is important to realize that chronic tinnitus takes a toll on:
- The overall duration of your evening rest.
- Your mental clarity and recall of important information.
- Overall mood balance and the likelihood of increased anxiety.
- Overall quality of life.
What You Can Do
- Wearing hearing aids to provide the brain with increased auditory input and lessen tinnitus focus.
- Sound therapy or white noise devices.
- Working with a physician to adjust prescriptions that may be triggering the noise.
- Lifestyle adjustments to lower stress and enhance sleep.
Phone our team today to arrange a consultation and start your journey toward relief. Our team is dedicated to supporting your auditory health.