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Age-related hearing loss or presbycusis
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China.
Summary
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, is common in older adults and impacts quality of life. New treatments beyond hearing aids are needed to address its complex causes, including oxidative stress.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Otolaryngology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Aging is a natural process, but age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is a common condition in elderly individuals.
- Presbycusis can range from mild to severe, affecting the auditory and central nervous systems.
- Untreated presbycusis leads to reduced quality of life, isolation, and dependence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiology of presbycusis.
- To explore risk factors, including genetics, environment, medical conditions, and oxidative stress.
- To discuss current and potential treatment and rehabilitation strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on presbycusis.
- Analysis of pathophysiological mechanisms.
- Examination of risk factors and treatment modalities.
Main Results:
- Presbycusis involves complex pathophysiological changes in the auditory and nervous systems.
- Key risk factors include heritability, environmental exposures, medical conditions, and oxidative damage (ROS, mitochondrial DNA).
- Hearing aids offer partial correction, but integrated treatment strategies are necessary.
Conclusions:
- Understanding presbycusis pathophysiology and risk factors is crucial for developing effective interventions.
- Multifaceted treatment approaches, combining therapies beyond hearing aids, are essential for managing age-related hearing loss.
- Further research into promising rehabilitations is warranted.
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