Many seniors notice ongoing humming, whistling, or ringing sounds that don’t have an external source. For many older people, the experience of tinnitus can interfere with their peace of mind and lead to significant distress. While advancing in years often brings about tinnitus, it shouldn’t always be dismissed as an inevitable consequence of aging.
The perception of tinnitus often lowers a person’s quality of life, but it is a mistake to assume there are no options for management. In this discussion, we will examine the distinctions between age-related and non-age-related triggers, along with actionable steps for managing tinnitus.
An Overview of Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of sound without an external source. Commonly, it’s described as ringing or buzzing, but some individuals experience roaring, clicking, or hissing sounds. The experience can be localized in one or both ears, occurring either sporadically or continuously throughout the day.
The National Library of Medicine reports the following statistics regarding the senior population:
- About 20 percent of older individuals are affected by tinnitus symptoms.
- For ten percent of people, tinnitus disrupts daily life.
- Participants with hearing loss faced double the risk of tinnitus.
Persistent or high-volume tinnitus often contributes to significant emotional distress, including anxiety, exhaustion, and depression. Luckily, there is support available. But first, let’s examine the difference between age-related and non-age-related tinnitus.
When Tinnitus Is Age-Related
Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, remains a primary cause of tinnitus among the elderly.
When aging is the primary cause, the tinnitus typically:
- Develops slowly over time.
- Presents simultaneously with a decrease in hearing ability.
- Sounds like high-pitched ringing or static.
- Frequently feels more intrusive in a quiet room.
Non-Age-Related Triggers
It is vital to look beyond age, as many cases of tinnitus are caused by manageable medical or environmental factors, like:
- Occupational or social noise damage sustained during younger years.
- Ototoxic drugs, such as certain specialized pharmaceuticals.
- Circulatory health issues, such as high blood pressure or other vascular disorders.
- Simple earwax blockage, which is a common and treatable cause of ear noise.
Why Tinnitus Must Not Be Dismissed
Yet, it is essential to realize that long-term tinnitus influences:
- The ability to fall and stay asleep throughout the night.
- Cognitive functions such as memory retention and daily attention.
- Overall mood balance and the possibility of increased anxiety.
- Your total well-being and social activities.
What You Can Do
- Hearing aids, which often reduce tinnitus by improving sound input.
- Employing sound machines or ambient sound to help mask the internal noises.
- Medication adjustments (where appropriate).
- Adopting new habits that focus on relaxation and better sleep patterns.
Get in touch with our medical staff immediately to arrange your comprehensive evaluation. Our team is committed to supporting your auditory health.