Which factor is the most common cause of presbycusis?

The most common cause of presbycusis is aging. As individuals grow older, physiological changes in the auditory system occur, including degeneration of the hair cells in the cochlea, neural pathways, and auditory processing centers in the brain. This gradual decline affects hearing abilities, particularly in the higher frequency ranges, leading to the typical patterns of hearing loss observed in older adults.

Aging-related changes can also include alterations in the structures of the ear, such as thickening of the eardrum and changes in the middle ear, which further contribute to hearing impairment. While other factors, such as genetics, noise exposure, and infections, can influence hearing loss, aging remains the primary and most prevalent factor associated with presbycusis in the general population.