Ringing, buzzing, hissing, or humming in the ears is a common concern as people get older. Known clinically as tinnitus, these subjective sounds can be a catalyst for frustration and anxiety for many aging adults. While advancing in years often brings about tinnitus, it shouldn’t always be dismissed as an inevitable consequence of aging.
You should never simply tolerate tinnitus as a standard part of the aging experience, especially when it interferes with your mental health. In this discussion, we will explore the distinctions between age-related and non-age-related triggers, along with practical steps for managing tinnitus.
What Is Tinnitus?
In basic language, tinnitus is the subjective experience of sound that no one else can hear. Individuals often characterize the sound as a ringing noise, though hissing, buzzing, or roaring are also common. The severity varies from a slight irritation to a significant impairment, and it may be perceived in a single ear or both.
Research cited by the National Library of Medicine reveals important trends among seniors:
- About 20 percent of older individuals are affected by tinnitus symptoms.
- 1 in 10 of those affected find that tinnitus impacts their daily routine.
- There is a strong correlation showing that those with hearing loss have double the likelihood of tinnitus reports.
When the noise is intrusive or constant, it can result in mental health challenges such as fatigue and severe anxiety. Professional support and management strategies are available to help mitigate these effects. We will start by examining the distinctions between tinnitus caused by the aging process and other triggers.
Identifying Tinnitus Triggered by Aging
One of the primary drivers of tinnitus in seniors is age-related hearing loss, clinically referred to as presbycusis.
In these cases, tinnitus often:
- Develops slowly over time.
- Occurs alongside hearing loss.
- Is often described as sharp ringing or static-like noise.
- Becomes more noticeable in quiet environments.
When Tinnitus Is Not Just About Aging
While age-related changes play a role, many cases of tinnitus in older adults are linked to other factors, including:
- Past contact with damaging decibel levels from machinery or military environments.
- The use of specific drugs, including high-dose aspirin or intensive antibiotics.
- Circulatory system problems, including hypertension, that affect the ears.
- An excess of earwax, a problem occurring regularly with seniors.
Why Tinnitus Shouldn’t Be Dismissed
However, persistent tinnitus can affect:
- Sleep quality.
- Concentration and memory.
- Psychological well-being and your overall level of stress.
- Overall quality of life.
Addressing Tinnitus: Steps for Seniors
- The use of hearing aids, which can mask the ringing by improving environmental sounds.
- Utilizing sound machines or ambient sound to help cover the internal noises.
- Evaluating and modifying current pharmaceuticals if they are found to be harmful to hearing.
- Implementing new habits that focus on stress reduction and better sleep patterns.
Phone our team today to arrange a consultation and start your path toward relief. We’re here to help.
