What is the effect of presbycusis on older adults?

Presbycusis refers to age-related hearing loss, which predominantly affects older adults as a natural progression of aging. The most characteristic feature of presbycusis is the loss of high-frequency hearing. As individuals age, changes occur in the inner ear structures, including damage to hair cells in the cochlea, which are vital for processing high-frequency sounds. Consequently, older adults often find it challenging to hear high-pitched sounds, making conversations and everyday auditory signals more difficult to perceive.

Understanding this phenomenon helps clinicians and caregivers provide appropriate support and interventions for older adults experiencing auditory decline, enabling improved communication and quality of life. The other options, such as improved sensitivity to sound, increased hearing with age, or clarity in speech perception, do not accurately represent the typical changes associated with presbycusis and mischaracterize the auditory experience of many older adults.