How hearing aids help seniors with presbycusis

Last update on 22/04/2025

Presbycusis, a common form of age-related hearing loss, is one of the most frequent conditions affecting older adults. Its impact on everyday life can be significant, influencing communication, social interaction, and overall wellbeing. Fortunately, presbycusis can be effectively managed with the help of modern hearing aids — essential devices that support the ability to hear clearly and stay connected to the world around us. In this guide, we’ll share practical advice to help you navigate the different types of hearing aids available in the UK, and choose the solution best suited to age-related hearing loss.

Enhancing Life with Hearing Aids for Presbycusis

It may not be easy for an elderly person to choose the hearing aid. The variety of models available can raise a number of questions that, without good help, are difficult to answer. “Which hearing aid will solve my hearing problem and at the same time be easy to use?”, “How to identify the most suitable product for my lifestyle”?

The most important thing to do is to contact a hearing care professional, to whom you can show the medical diagnosis report of the hearing loss and explain your listening needs. However, it is good to get an idea of the hearing aids on the market.

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Book an appointment and come and visit us at one of our Amplifon centres, our hearing care professionals will be ready to show you our range of Amplifon hearing aids dedicated to age-related hearing loss.

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Hearing aids: criteria for treating presbycusis

Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, is a gradual decline in hearing ability that affects many older adults. Choosing the right hearing aid for presbycusis involves several important criteria:

  • Severity of Hearing Loss: The degree of hearing loss varies among individuals. Audiologists assess the severity to recommend the most suitable hearing aid, whether it's for mild, moderate, or severe loss.

  • Lifestyle Needs: Active seniors may benefit from hearing aids with features like noise reduction and directional microphones, which help in noisy environments. Those with a quieter lifestyle might prioritize comfort and simplicity.

  • Manual Dexterity: Some hearing aids are easier to handle than others. For seniors with arthritis or limited dexterity, larger models or those with simple controls are preferable.

  • Technology and Features: Modern hearing aids offer advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeable batteries, and telehealth support. These can enhance convenience and connectivity.

  • Comfort and Fit: A comfortable fit is crucial for consistent use. Custom-molded hearing aids or those with adjustable settings can provide a better fit and improved comfort.

  • Budget: Hearing aids come in a wide range of prices. It's important to find a balance between cost and the necessary features to ensure effective treatment without financial strain.

Consulting with an audiologist is essential to evaluate these criteria and select the best hearing aid for individual needs, ensuring improved hearing and quality of life.

If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!

AI-Powered Hearing Aids

The new generation of digital hearing aids equipped with artificial intelligence, such as Starkey’s Evolv AI — widely available in the UK — are easy to use and particularly well-suited for managing presbycusis in older adults who live alone and may need to stay connected with a family member or caregiver.

These advanced hearing aids not only offer excellent sound processing and user-friendly features, but are also designed to pair with smartphones and other mobile devices, enabling real-time connection with selected contacts.

In case of a fall or other incident, the built-in sensors can detect the event and automatically send an alert to a designated contact. This provides an extra layer of safety and peace of mind, ensuring that help can be provided promptly when needed.

Rechargeable hearing aids

The convenience of rechargeable hearing aids for older people suffering from hearing loss is linked to the ability to recharge the them directly at home, without having to go to the store to buy new batteries.

Receiver-in-the-canal hearing aids

Both hearing aids with a receiver completely in the ear canal (CIC) and those with a receiver in the canal (RIC) are indicated in the treatment of presbycusis because they are very discreet and easy to use.

Choosing one model over another depends on the degree of hearing loss of the wearer: CIC devices are specific for the treatment of mild or moderate hearing loss, while RICs are indicated for those suffering from moderate to severe hearing loss. In addition, RIC technology is suggested in the event that the elderly hearing impaired wears the ear prosthesis for the first time.

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The Importance of Audiograms in Presbycusis

Audiograms play a crucial role in diagnosing and managing presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss. These detailed charts measure an individual's hearing sensitivity across various frequencies, helping audiologists determine the extent and pattern of hearing loss. By analyzing audiograms, healthcare professionals can tailor hearing aid recommendations and other treatments to meet the specific needs of each patient, ensuring optimal hearing improvement and quality of life.

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The best way to find out if you have hearing loss is to try our online hearing test or make an appointment at one of our clinics. Our specialists will assess your hearing capabilities with a free test and advise you on the potential next steps.

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Conclusion: what to do?

The choice of hearing aid for the treatment of presbycusis is an important moment in the life of any elderly person with a hearing disorder. Knowing the possibilities of treatment and knowing who to contact to put them into practice are fundamental elements for protecting habits and quality of life.

FAQs on Prebycusis and hearing aids

Which hearing aid is used in presbycusis?

The best hearing aid for presbycusis depends on the severity of hearing loss, lifestyle needs, and personal preferences. Common features to look for include excellent sound quality, Bluetooth capabilities, discreet design, affordability, and strong telehealth support. Consulting an audiologist is essential to determine the most suitable option for individual needs.

Is presbycusis conductive or sensorineural​?

Presbycusis is a type of sensorineural hearing loss. It results from the gradual degeneration of the inner ear structures or auditory nerve due to aging.

Can presbycusis be unilateral​?

Presbycusis typically affects both ears symmetrically. However, it can sometimes be more pronounced in one ear due to factors like noise exposure or other individual differences.
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