How does age primarily affect hearing changes?

Age primarily affects hearing changes through a condition known as presbycusis, which is the gradual loss of hearing that occurs as individuals age. This process typically affects the ability to hear higher frequency sounds first and may also involve difficulty distinguishing speech from background noise. The physiological changes in the inner ear structures, along with the cumulative effects of environmental factors and possible genetic predisposition, contribute to this form of hearing loss.

Presbycusis is widely recognized as a common and significant cause of hearing impairment in the elderly population, making it a major concern in geriatric care. It reflects the age-related changes in auditory processing and sensory hair cells in the cochlea. This recognition is critical for healthcare providers when assessing hearing changes in older patients, allowing for timely interventions such as hearing aids or other assistive listening devices.