Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)

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What is age-related hearing loss?

Age-related hearing loss (or presbycusis) is a form of hearing loss that occurs gradually during the aging process. Usually, this type of hearing loss affects both ears. Depending on certain factors, age-related hearing loss can start in a person's thirties or forties and usually increases gradually over time.

It is one of the most common conditions affecting older and elderly adults.

Help someone with hearing loss

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Book a FREE* hearing check for age-related hearing loss

Book a FREE* hearing check to find out if you have presbycusis. We can explain your condition and suggest treatment options.
Are you older than 55?

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What causes age-related hearing loss?

The main cause of age-related hearing loss is aging. Most commonly, it arises due to changes in the inner ear as you grow older. The factors that can have an influence on age-related hearing loss are the following:

  • Genes
  • Certain medical conditions
  • Side effects of certain drugs and medications
  • Age
  • Smoking
  • Repeated exposure to loud noises

Causes of hearing loss


Did you know?

While men are more likely to develop a hearing loss in higher frequencies, women often have hearing loss in lower frequencies.

The frequency of your hearing loss refers to whether you are having trouble hearing high-pitched or low-pitched sounds.

High-frequency hearing loss

Low-frequency hearing loss

6 common signs and symptoms of age-related hearing loss

The signs and symptoms of age-related hearing loss can vary from person to person, but some of the most common symptoms include the following:

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1. You have difficulty following group conversations (especially when background noise is present)
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2. You have trouble understanding speech communicated over loudspeakers in public places - such as in an airport or at work
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3. Loud noises are more irritating than they used to be
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4. Sounds seem unclear or people sound like they are mumbling
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5. Low-pitched voices seem easier to hear than high-pitched voices.
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6. You hear ringing or buzzing sounds in your ears (called tinnitus)
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How is age-related hearing loss treated?

The best treatment option for someone with age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) will depend on the person's overall health, age and the severity of the hearing loss.


The most common treatment for age-related hearing loss is hearing aids, but the treatment may also include using assistive aids and / or learning lip reading techniques.

Book FREE* hearing check      Hearing loss treatment

How can you protect your hearing as you age?

Since age-related hearing loss is irreversible, prevention is important. Below are some of the most effective ways to prevent it:

  • Avoid (or reduce exposure to) excessively loud noises
  • Avoid smoking
  • Seek treatment for hearing health conditions (such as ear infections)
  • Wear ear protection in loud environments (ear plugs, earmuffs)

Hearing loss and dementia

FAQ about age-related hearing loss

Alex_grey_background_196
Alex Law - Group Clinical and Sales Trainer

Audiologist MNZAS CCC, MAud(Hons) BSc

Alex graduated from the University of Auckland Audiology course in 2012 then started his Audiology career in the public sector for seven years at both Manukau SuperClinic, Greenlane Hospital, and Starship Children’s Hospital.

He is now into his sixth year working at Audika New Zealand, working as both a clinician and clinical trainer. He is also an NZAS (New Zealand Audiological Society) CCC’s examiner which he has done for the past seven years. "It is a rewarding experience being able to see how helping someone hear better brings joy to not only the hearing aid user but their family as well".

One of Alex's passions is supervision and helping audiologists grow in both knowledge and clinical skills, which was the driving force for him taking on the role of clinical trainer.
Throughout his time in audiology he has supervised a large number of university students through their public and private placements, as well as provisional audiologists through their CCC’s year.