What is Presbycusis?

Presbycusis is defined specifically as a bilateral progressive hearing loss that occurs as a result of the aging process. This type of hearing loss typically affects the high frequencies first and can gradually worsen over time, impacting the ability to hear certain sounds, understand speech, and recognize environmental noises.

The association of presbycusis with aging stems from a combination of factors, including changes in the inner ear structures, the auditory nerve, and often the brain's processing of sound. As individuals age, they may experience changes in the hair cells within the cochlea, degradation of the auditory nerve, and alterations in the central auditory pathways, all contributing to this gradual loss of hearing.

In contrast, sudden hearing loss refers to a rapid onset of hearing impairment and is not related to aging. Otitis media is an infection or inflammation of the middle ear that typically occurs in children and is not linked to the aging process. An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which can cause hearing loss but is a distinct condition not characterized by the gradual loss associated with presbycusis.