Presbyacusis

The progressive loss of hearing that occurs with age. Presbyacusis is a form of sensorineural deafness, which makes sounds less clear and tones less audible. People with the condition often find it difficult to understand speech and cannot hear well when there is background noise. Presbyacusis may be exacerbated by exposure to high noise levels, diminished blood supply to the inner ear due to atherosclerosis, and damage to the inner ear from drugs such as aminoglycoside drugs. Hearing-aids help most people.