Presbycusis

Presbycusis (presby = elder, cusis = hearing) is the loss of hearing that gradually occurs in most individuals as they grow old. Everyone who lives long enough will develop some degree of presbycusis, some sooner than others. Those who damage their

ears from loud noise exposure will develop it sooner. It is estimated that 40-50 percent of people 75 and older have some degree of hearing loss. It involves a progressive loss of hearing, beginning with high-frequency sounds such as speech. The loss associated with presbycusis is usually greater for high-pitched sounds. It may be difficult for someone to hear the nearby chirping of a bird or the ringing of a telephone whereas they would be able to hear low pitched voices. Presbycusis most often occurs in both ears, affecting them equally.