Many older adults notice ongoing humming, whistling, or ringing sounds that don’t have an external source. These sounds, known as tinnitus, can trigger frustration and disorientation for many older patients. While getting older often brings about tinnitus, it must not be viewed as an inevitable consequence of aging.
You do not have to resignedly accept tinnitus as a standard part of the aging experience, especially when it interferes with your well-being. This overview covers how to differentiate age-linked tinnitus from other factors and outlines the next steps for those seeking support.
Defining Tinnitus: What You Need to Know
In simplest terms, tinnitus is the personal experience of sound that no one else can hear. Commonly, patients report ringing or buzzing, but some people experience hissing, clicking, or whistling. The intensity varies from a minor nuisance to a significant impairment, and it may be perceived in a single ear or both.
According to the National Library of Medicine, in a general elderly population:
- Approximately twenty percent of seniors have tinnitus.
- For ten percent of people, tinnitus interferes with daily life.
- The data shows that people with hearing loss face an increased likelihood of developing tinnitus.
When the noise is intrusive or constant, it can result in mental health challenges such as fatigue and severe anxiety. Luckily, there is support available. But first, let’s examine the difference between age-related and non-age-related tinnitus.
Identifying Tinnitus Triggered by Aging
One of the primary drivers of tinnitus in older adults is age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis.
In these cases, tinnitus often:
- Manifests as a steady onset.
- Is experienced concurrently with age-related hearing impairment.
- Is frequently characterized as high-frequency ringing or static-like noise.
- Becomes more noticeable in quiet environments.
When Tinnitus Is Not Just About Aging
While age-related changes are a factor, many cases of tinnitus in older adults are linked to other triggers, including:
- Noise damage earlier in life, such as military service, factory work, or loud concerts.
- Medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, aspirin, or specific antibiotics.
- Vascular conditions, such as high blood pressure.
- An excess of earwax, a problem occurring regularly with advancing age.
The Effect of Untreated Tinnitus
However, ongoing tinnitus can impact:
- The overall duration of your evening rest.
- Concentration and memory.
- Overall emotional health.
- Your standard of life and social activities.
Addressing Tinnitus: Steps for Older Adults
- The use of hearing aids, which can cover the ringing by improving environmental sounds.
- Using sound therapy programs designed to habituate the brain to the noise.
- Working with a doctor to adjust prescriptions that may be causing the noise.
- Lifestyle changes to reduce stress and enhance sleep.
Reach out to our clinical staff immediately to arrange your comprehensive evaluation. We are prepared to provide the support you need.