{"id":68448,"date":"2016-07-13T17:45:46","date_gmt":"2016-07-13T17:45:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.comfortkeepers.ca\/toronto\/hearing-loss-tinnitus-presbycusis-torontos-seniors\/"},"modified":"2026-08-20T19:08:43","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T19:08:43","slug":"hearing-loss-tinnitus-presbycusis-torontos-seniors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.comfortkeepers.ca\/toronto\/hearing-loss-tinnitus-presbycusis-torontos-seniors\/","title":{"rendered":"Hearing Loss: Tinnitus and Presbycusis In Toronto\u2019s Seniors"},"content":{"rendered":"

47% of Canadians over the age of 60 suffer from hearing loss, ranging from the inability to hear certain voices to deafness.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Dealing with a senior or elderly loved one with hearing loss can be maddening, especially if the senior is in denial about their hearing loss. While loss of hearing is a common aliment that comes with aging, many caregivers and seniors need assistance in recognizing, diagnosing and seeking treatment for hearing loss.<\/p>\n

Types of Hearing Loss In Seniors<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Presbycusis is a gradual loss of hearing that may come with age. It can be caused by changes in the inner ear, auditory nerve, middle ear, or outer ear. It can also be caused by loud noise exposure, heredity, head injury, infection, illness, some prescription drugs, and circulation problems, including high blood pressure.<\/p>\n

Tinnitus, which is also common in seniors, causes a ringing, hissing, or roaring sound in the ears. It can be the result of exposure to loud noise or certain medicines, and can accompany any type of hearing loss.<\/p>\n

If a senior has not been diagnosed with hearing loss, but it is obvious that it is present, referral to a specialist may be necessary. Start with a visit to his or her regular doctor. The doctor may then refer the senior to an otolaryngologist, a physician who specializes in ear, nose, and throat \u2013 or an audiologist, who is a health professional who conducts tests to define hearing loss. Sometimes the two work together in an office.<\/p>\n

A senior with hearing loss may struggle with hearing alarms or telephones, or understanding speech on TV or radio; may be unaware that someone is talking or whispering; and may have a lack of understanding when talking on the phone, if several people are in a large room or many people are talking, or when a speaker\u2019s face can\u2019t be seen.<\/p>\n

Psychological and Social Implications of Hearing Loss for Seniors<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Seniors with hearing loss may suffer negative psychological and emotional effects that can affect them socially. Here are some examples of what they may experience:<\/p>\n