Many older adults notice ongoing humming, whistling, or ringing sounds that don’t have an external source. Known medically as tinnitus, these internal noises can be a catalyst for discomfort and stress for many elderly individuals. Although the frequency of tinnitus increases among seniors, it is vital to understand that not every instance is a standard consequence of the aging process.

Your daily comfort can be severely compromised by tinnitus, yet you are not required to view it as an inevitable side effect of age. Today, we’re taking a look at what’s age-related, what isn’t, and what you can do if you have tinnitus.

What Is Tinnitus?

In simplest terms, tinnitus is the subjective experience of sound that no one else can hear. While many describe it as a buzzing or ringing sensation, others may hear roaring, static, or clicking noises. Whether it is a steady noise or one that is intermittent, tinnitus can range from a slight irritation to a severe disruption.

According to the National Library of Medicine, in a general elderly population:

• One out of every five seniors is affected by tinnitus symptoms.
• For ten percent of people, tinnitus interferes with daily life.
• The data indicates that individuals with hearing impairment face a twofold increase in the risk of developing tinnitus.

Persistent or high-volume tinnitus often contributes to significant emotional distress, including anxiety, exhaustion, and depression. Professional support and management strategies are available to help mitigate these effects. But first, let’s examine the difference between age-related and non-age-related tinnitus.

Identifying Tinnitus Triggered by Aging

One of the most common causes of tinnitus in seniors is age-related hearing loss, clinically referred to as presbycusis.

In these cases, tinnitus often:

• Develops gradually over time.
• Occurs in conjunction with hearing loss.
• Is frequently characterized as high-frequency ringing or static-like noise.
• Becomes more noticeable in quiet environments.

Non-Age-Related Triggers

It is important to look beyond age, as many instances of tinnitus are caused by manageable medical or environmental factors, like:

• Occupational or recreational noise damage sustained during younger years.
• Side effects from certain antibiotics, aspirin, or chemotherapy.
• Cardiovascular conditions, including high blood pressure.
• Simple earwax blockage, which is a common and treatable cause of ear noise.

The Impact of Untreated Tinnitus

However, ongoing tinnitus can impact:

• The overall duration of your evening rest.
• Concentration and memory.
• Overall emotional health.
• The general satisfaction you find in daily life.

Managing Tinnitus: Steps for Seniors

• Hearing aids, which frequently lessen tinnitus by improving sound input.
• Sound masking or white noise devices.
• Reviewing and modifying current medications if they are found to be ototoxic.
• Adopting new habits that focus on stress reduction and better sleep patterns.

Call our team today to set up a consultation and start your path toward relief. Our staff is committed to supporting your hearing health.