Auditory phantom sounds like buzzing or ringing in the ears is a common concern as individuals reach later life. Known clinically as tinnitus, these internal noises can be a source of discomfort and stress for many aging adults. While tinnitus is more prevalent in later life, not all cases in older adults are simply “age-related,” and recognizing the difference is essential.
Your everyday well-being can be greatly impacted by tinnitus, yet you should not feel obligated to view it as an unavoidable burden of age. In this discussion, we will explore the differences between age-related and non-age-related triggers, along with practical steps for managing tinnitus.
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the experience of sound in the absence of outside noise. Individuals often describe the sound as a high-pitched ring, though hissing, buzzing, or roaring are also common. Whether it is a steady noise or one that comes and goes, tinnitus can range from a slight irritation to a severe disruption.
The National Library of Medicine reports the following statistics regarding the senior population:
- Approximately twenty percent of seniors have tinnitus.
- For ten percent of people, tinnitus disrupts daily life.
- Participants with hearing loss were twice as likely to have tinnitus.
Persistent or high-volume tinnitus often contributes to significant emotional distress, including anxiety, exhaustion, and depression. Luckily, there is support available. To begin, let’s explore how to tell if your tinnitus is strictly related to getting older.
When Tinnitus Is Age-Related
One of the most common causes of tinnitus in older adults is age-related hearing loss, clinically referred to as presbycusis.
In these cases, tinnitus often:
- Manifests as a progressive onset.
- Presents at the same time as a decrease in hearing ability.
- Sounds like sharp whistling or static.
- Is easier to detect when the surroundings are silent.
Non-Age-Related Causes
While age-related changes play a role, many cases of tinnitus in seniors are linked to other triggers, including:
- Noise damage earlier in life, such as industrial labor, military duty, or music.
- The use of specific drugs, like certain antibiotics or specialized treatments.
- Circulatory system problems, including high blood pressure, that affect the ears.
- Earwax impaction, which is more common in advancing age.
The Impact of Ongoing Tinnitus
However, ongoing tinnitus can impact:
- The overall duration of your nightly sleep.
- Concentration and memory.
- Your emotional stability and your overall level of stress.
- Overall quality of life.
Addressing Tinnitus: Steps for Seniors
- Utilizing hearing aids to provide the brain with more auditory stimulation and lessen tinnitus focus.
- Sound therapy or white noise devices.
- Working with a physician to adjust prescriptions that may be causing the noise.
- Adopting new habits that focus on stress reduction and better sleep patterns.
Reach out to our clinical staff today to book your full evaluation. We’re here to help.