It is when older people suffer from a gradual loss of hearing that the hearing loss is referred to as Presbycusis, and the loss usually associated with Presbycusis is the range of higher pitched sounds.

When a person suffers from this type of hearing loss they find it extremely difficult to hear the ringing of a telephone but they can hear low rumbling sounds such as a truck going down the street clearly.

This condition is generally caused simply by the aging process from changes to the inner ear as we get older, it usually occurs in both ears and they are both affected equally, that is the loss of hearing is about the same in both ears.

It is a very gradual process and the one most commonly not noticed by the individual most times it will be brought to your attention by someone else noticing your loss of hearing.

What Are The Symptoms Of Presbycusis?

Sounds will appear lower in volume and less clear and often the sufferer will have a great deal of trouble hearing what is said in conversations, the following are points to look for if you think you might be suffering from hearing loss of this kind:

* A ringing sound or sound like the ocean in the ears

* If you have trouble with the sounds "s" and "th", you might find them hard to distinguish between in conversations

* Background noise causes a problem in conversations

* Certain sounds seems excessively loud and are annoying

Ways to Make Life A Little Easier

* Always face the person you are having a conversation with that way you can watch there lips and this will help you follow along the conversation

* Make sure that the room or area you hold the conversation is well lit this way it is easier to see facial expressions

* Never talk while you are eating

* Speak at the rate you would normally do and don't over exaggerate the words

* Try re phrasing sentences if the person you are talking with doesn't understand

* Where possible when in restaurants choose seating which is away from the crowded areas.

Old age is something that we can't change and it comes to us all eventually but we can help a little in being sensible throughout our life with regards to our hearing, be aware of the damage loud noises can do to our ears and wear ear plus if necessary.

Go for routine medicals which will include a hearing test this can help pick up the first signs of problems with hearing loss and its better to deal with hearing loss early.