TürkçeThe terms aging and disease are often used interchangeably when referring to being elderly, but aging is not a disease. Aging, which is a determinant of disease that causes many changes, is associated with an increased risk of physical and cognitive decline. Aging is a global, complex, synchronized biological process that occurs at a rate that varies significantly across all species.
The term aging, characterized by a decline in the organism’s ability to respond to stress and an increase in homeostatic imbalance that tends to affect numerous cells, tissues, organs, and systems, refers to all time-related events that occur throughout the lifespan.
Although aging is a unitary, coordinated, and continuous process that occurs gradually over time, it is well known that lifespan can be extended by slowing the rate of aging. The rate and degree to which aging affects a person depend on the interaction between intrinsic processes such as aerobic metabolism (nature) and external factors (nurture). Eating habits are a typical example of an external factor that can increase or decrease lifespan by influencing physiological processes.
Although most experts agree that genetic makeup is a “limiting factor” in the biological and behavioral aspects of aging, intrinsic and external factors significantly affect an individual’s aging process.
WILL I LOSE MY SENSE OF HEARING AS I AGE?
Scientific studies on aging have accelerated over the last century, and many perspectives on the aging process have emerged since then. In general, theories of aging can be classified as biological, psychological, and sociological.
Biological aging can be defined very simply as the gradual and progressive changes in physical function that occur in all species, begin in adulthood, and end with death. Although biological aging is a process, it has also led to many theories.
While stochastic (chance) theory suggests that aging events occur randomly as genetic mutations and accumulate over time, programmed aging theories argue that aging is predetermined and is a function of structured genetic expression.
Regarding age-related hearing loss, the general social belief has focused on genetic factors and chance theory. For this reason, it has become widely accepted in all societies and approached with a more fatalistic perspective. This general acceptance has even become established within different medical disciplines.
Unfortunately, this acceptance causes other factors associated with hearing loss to be approached with the same fatalistic attitude. Some metabolic diseases are accompanied by hearing loss, while medications used in the treatment of certain diseases may cause hearing loss. Even when these situations are known, they are accepted as part of the process and no additional solution is sought.
It is known that individuals with diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney diseases, and rheumatic diseases will develop hearing loss in the long term. However, unless speech discrimination has deteriorated significantly, the hearing examination is neglected. Certain medications used for different types of cancer also impair hearing. Despite this being known, auditory processes are not closely monitored, particularly in the elderly population.
Do Not Neglect It!
Of course, in such situations, one side of the scale holds a disease that requires urgent and essential treatment, and that treatment must definitely be administered. On the other hand, this fact does not mean that hearing should not be monitored or that emerging auditory changes cannot be addressed.
It is accepted that hearing loss has consequences such as social isolation and depression and even has significant effects on memory skills. Therefore, hearing should be monitored regularly after the age of 40, and a multidisciplinary approach is necessary. Only with such an approach can our loved ones lead socially happier and higher-quality lives.
What Are the Health Risks of Untreated Hearing Loss as You Age?
The longer you or your loved ones delay seeking support for hearing loss, the more difficult it will be to hear better after receiving medical assistance. The reason for this is auditory deprivation. Research shows that untreated hearing loss among older adults places people at greater risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as other emotional and physical problems. The good news is that hearing aids may delay the onset of these conditions.
They also help you live better. Although today’s hearing aid technology does not restore your hearing to normal, it can greatly improve your quality of life. This improvement in quality of life applies to every older adult with hearing loss, including those living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
As Immanuel Kant said:
Seeing separates people from objects; not hearing separates people from people!
Dr. Audiologist Emel Uğur was born in 1982 in Çanakkale. She specialized in Pediatric Audiology, Otologic Disorders, and Vestibular System Disorders, and served for 15 years at the Istanbul Training and Research Hospital. In 2015, she joined the Acıbadem Healthcare Group. She currently works as an Audiologist at the Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital and also serves as a faculty member and program director in the Acıbadem University Vocational School of Health Services Audiometry Program.
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