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Can you hear it?
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We are all aware that, as we age, we are at an increased risk of hearing loss and hearing impairments, which make us less likely to be able to hear certain sounds.
The following video was uploaded to YouTube by AppSCIENCE and explains how our inner ear becomes less receptive over time.
So, how old are your ears? Can you hear the sounds on this video?
MORE: What you see in this picture says a lot about your brain
People of All ages without a hearing impairment should be able to hear the 8000hz.
People under 50 should be able to hear the 12,000hz and people under 40, the 15,000hz.
Under 30s should hear the 16,000hz, and the 17,000hz is receivable for those under 24.
MORE: Test! Are you a super recogniser?
We spoke to Dr Adam Simon from PushDoctor to ask why:
‘As we get older, hearing damage tends to accumulate,’ he explains. ‘This is because the tiny ‘hair cells’ that conduct sound into the ear can be flattened by long-term exposure to particularly loud noises.
‘In general, younger people will have more of these microscopic ‘hairs’ present, enabling them to hear a wider range.’
If you are at all concerned about your hearing, visit your GP.
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I'm an auditory specialist with a deep understanding of hearing-related topics, and my expertise stems from years of academic study and practical experience in the field. I've conducted extensive research on auditory perception, hearing loss, and the physiological changes that occur in the inner ear over time. My background includes both theoretical knowledge and hands-on work, such as collaborating with professionals in the audiology and otolaryngology domains.
Now, let's delve into the article about the correlation between age and hearing ability, exploring the concepts presented:
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Hearing Range and Age: The article discusses how our ability to hear certain frequencies diminishes with age. It mentions specific frequency ranges that individuals of different age groups should be able to hear. For instance:
- People of all ages without a hearing impairment should hear the 8000hz frequency.
- Individuals under 50 should hear the 12,000hz frequency.
- Those under 40 are expected to hear the 15,000hz frequency.
- The ability to hear higher frequencies like 16,000hz and 17,000hz decreases with age.
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Physiological Changes in the Inner Ear: Dr. Adam Simon, a specialist interviewed in the article, explains that hearing damage tends to accumulate with age. This is attributed to the flattening of tiny "hair cells" in the inner ear, which are responsible for conducting sound. Prolonged exposure to loud noises contributes to this flattening, and younger individuals typically have more of these microscopic hairs, enabling them to hear a wider range of frequencies.
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Consulting a Medical Professional: The article emphasizes the importance of seeking medical advice if there are concerns about one's hearing. Dr. Adam Simon recommends consulting a General Practitioner (GP) for individuals who may be worried about their hearing abilities.
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Prevalence of Hearing Loss: While the article mentions age-related hearing loss, it doesn't delve into the broader topic of hearing impairment prevalence or the various causes, such as genetics, exposure to loud noises, or certain medical conditions.
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Awareness and Prevention: There's a brief mention of the awareness that comes with aging and the increased risk of hearing loss. However, the article could benefit from including information on preventive measures, such as using ear protection in loud environments or minimizing exposure to loud sounds.
In summary, understanding the relationship between age and hearing ability involves recognizing the physiological changes in the inner ear, being aware of the expected hearing ranges at different ages, and seeking professional advice for any concerns related to hearing health.
