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Age-related hearing loss



Ear anatomy
Ear anatomy


Age-related hearing loss

Definition:

Age related hearing loss is a progressive loss of the ability to hear high frequencies, which occurs as people get older.


Alternative Names:
Hearing loss - age related; Presbycusis
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:


Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) involves a progressive loss of hearing, beginning with high-frequency sounds such as speech. It is unknown whether a specific cause such as noise trauma leads to presbycusis, but there appears to be a genetic predisposition.

Age-related hearing loss tends to occur in families. The disorder occurs in about 25% of people aged 65 to 75 and in 70% to 80% of those over age 75.




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