The Sound of Aging: Navigating Life with Hearing Loss

Inaya Karmali
Jul 10
4 min read

Guest Blog by Inaya Karmali, Undergraduate Student, University of Toronto

Why Does Hearing Loss Occur As We Age

Aging causes many body parts to break down, and the ears are no exception.1 Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, is present in 1 in 3 adults between 65 and 74. 2 The most common reason behind age-related hearing loss is the natural breakdown of the hair cells within the inner ear.1 These tiny hair cells sit inside the cochlea, a spiral-shaped structure that translates sound vibrations into electrical signals for the brain to interpret. When these cells are damaged or die off, your brain receives fewer signals, making it harder to hear clearly.3 In addition to this, age-related hearing loss may also be due to other changes in the

eardrum or bones of the middle ear.1

The Different Types of Hearing Loss

There are three primary types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing

loss.4 Sensorineural, most common with aging, 5 is hearing loss that impacts the inner ear or

the auditory nerves.4

Sensorineural hearing loss causes a reduced ability to hear sounds and may reduce speech clarity. 5 It is common for sensorineural hearing loss to make it harder to hear higher frequency sounds, such as kids' and women's voices. 5

Conductive hearing loss is caused by a blockage in the outer or middle ear, including the ear

canal, eardrum, and middle ear bones. 4,5 Common causes include excess earwax, fluid buildup, and abnormal cell or bone growth. Conductive hearing loss causes a reduced ability to hear sound, but it does not impact the clarity of sound. 5

Although age-related hearing loss can not be prevented, it can be treated with the use of

hearing aids. Please ensure to consult your family physician if you are having trouble

hearing.

Possible Future Treatment

As science continues to evolve, more possible treatments for hearing loss are being

explored. While presbycusis is considered a permanent and progressive condition, emerging

research offers hope for future interventions. Scientists and clinicians are now exploring a

range of medical and technological innovations aimed at preserving or even restoring

hearing function.

For example, the world’s first trial of a regenerative hearing drug was completed.6 This early-stage study examined a new drug, given as ear injections, to see if it could help people with hearing loss.6 Although the study showed no meaningful improvement in hearing, it is

likely that hearing loss treatment in the future would use this method as it was safe and

well-tolerated by the participants.6

In addition to a direct drug in the ear, researchers have also developed a new drug

composed of already FDA-approved compounds that show promising results in animal

studies.7 This could slow the progression of hearing loss by slowing damage to nerve cells in

the inner ear.7

From a technological point of view, recent developments in artificial intelligence could be

beneficial in assisting those with hearing loss. New smart hearing glasses, developed by

EssilorLuxottica, use AI-driven microphone technology to amplify conversations and reduce

background noise, while still looking like regular eyeglasses.8 This offers a more subtle solution for individuals with hearing loss, as bulky hearing aids can be uncomfortable to wear for extended periods.8 Although these treatment options are appealing, this research is primarily in its early stages. They are not yet widely available, so if you’re experiencing hearing loss, your family physician is best suited to guide your care.

Just like gradual hearing loss can sneak up over time, so can gaps in your retirement

planning. Both require awareness, early attention, and expert support. At our seminars, we

explore how health, lifestyle, and financial well-being are all connected as you age. You’ll

also get to meet Dave, Faisal, and the rest of our experienced team. Register today at morethanmoneyradio.com/seminar-registration

The author is not a medical professional. The above content was accumulated through various sources and is intended for informational purposes only

and should not be interpreted as medical recommendations. Readers should consult a physician or their family doctor for professional health and medical

advice.

David Popowich and Faisal Karmali are Investment Advisors with CIBC Wood Gundy in Calgary.

The views of David Popowich, Faisal Karmali, and guest author and referenced material do not necessarily reflect those of CIBC World Markets Inc.

This information, including any opinion, is based on various sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed and is subject to

change.

CIBC Private Wealth consists of services provided by CIBC and certain of its subsidiaries, including CIBC Wood Gundy, a division of CIBC World Markets

Inc.

References:

1. Fraser Health. Age-related hearing loss. Fraser Health.

https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/seniors/age-related-hearing-loss

2. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Presbycusis. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/presbycusis

3. Cleveland Clinic. Inner ear. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24340-inner-ear

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Types of hearing loss. CDC.

https://www.cdc.gov/hearing-loss-children/about/types-of-hearing-loss.html

5. Hearing Directory. Types of hearing loss. https://www.hearingdirectory.ca/help/hearing-loss/types

6. Shibata SB, O’Leary SJ, Ryugo DK, et al. Regenerative therapy trial for hearing loss in humans. Nat Commun. 2024;15:932.

doi:10.1038/s41467-024-45784-0

7. University of South Florida. Protective drug to slow hearing loss. https://usf.technologypublisher.com/technology/48451