What term refers to hearing loss that occurs due to aging?

The term that refers to hearing loss due to aging is presbycusis. This condition typically results from changes in the inner ear or auditory nerve, which often occur as part of the natural aging process. It usually impacts the ability to hear high-frequency sounds and can make it challenging to understand speech, especially in noisy environments. Because presbycusis is associated with age, it is a progressive condition that can begin in middle age and worsen over time, affecting the quality of life as it can hinder communication and social interaction.

In contrast, deafness is a general term that indicates a significant hearing loss and does not specify the cause. Acoustic trauma refers specifically to hearing loss resulting from exposure to loud noises, which differs from age-related decline. Tinnitus is characterized by the perception of noise or ringing in the ears and is not a direct measurement of hearing loss but rather a symptom that can accompany various types of ear conditions, including age-related hearing changes.