Presbyacusis:

Definition: Is defined as a progressive bilateral symmetrical age related sensorineural hearing
loss. The hearing loss is typically confined to higher frequencies.

Factors causing presbyacusis:
1. Hereditary
2. Atherosclerosis
3. Dietary habits
4. Diabetes
5. Noise trauma
6. Smoking
7. Hypertension
8. Exposure to ototoxic drugs

Pathology: is confined to the cochlea. Depending on the pathology 4 different types
presbyacusis have been described.

1. Sensori presbyacusis
2. Neural presbyacusis
3. Strial presbyacusis
4. cochlear conductive presbyacusis

Audiogram findings:
1. Abrupt high frequency hearing loss
2. Flat threshold hearing loss
3. Diminished speech discrimination
4. Gradual descending audiometric pattern

Management:

Hearing aids must be considered in all these patients

Supportive therapy includes:

Vitamin B12 supplements
Treating the cause if known