Age-related, gradual hearing loss is common. It is seen in about 20% of females and 32% of males aged between 20 – 39.  This hearing loss may be imperceptible initially.  As we continue to age the hearing loss can worse – becoming more intrusive in our day-to-day communication.  This ageing phenomenon of the hearing nerve (often the ‘inner hair cells’ of the cochlear) is not currently reversible.  It is described medically as presbycusis. About one-third of people between the ages of 65 and 75 have some degree of hearing loss. This increases to about 50% of people over the age of 75.

Ageing and chronic exposure to loud noises both contribute to hearing loss. Other factors, such as fluid in the middle ear, a hole in the eardrum or even excessive earwax, can temporarily reduce how well our ears conduct sounds.  This ‘conductive’ hearing loss can often be reversed.

However, the gradual nerve hearing loss is usually irreversible.  Given the complex and varied nature of hearing loss, this should be assessed with your doctor and audiologist to see what could be done to investigate and optimise hearing.