Aging greatly affects the functions of the ears, nose, and throat. The effects of aging are caused by many factors, such as wear and tear due to excessive use of sound, exposure to loud noise, the cumulative effect of infection, as well as the influence of addictive substances such as drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
Gradual hearing loss (presbyopia) is also common, especially with high pitched sounds. Hearing loss is a common condition among the elderly, and the risk of developing it increases with age. Statistics indicate that more than 25% of people age 65 and over suffer from hearing loss. The percentage reaches 33% for people aged 75 years and over. Hearing impairment affects a person''s ability to understand speech. Also common in aging are vestibular imbalance and ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Pathological changes occur due to a gradual decline in the health or efficiency of the anatomical structures inside the ear that aid hearing or balance balance, or due to the development of a tumor or disease condition. Hearing aids can help people with hearing loss hear better.
The sense of smell may decrease with age. A decrease in the sense of smell affects the sense of taste, so foods do not always taste the same (see also the physical changes that accompany aging: mouth and nose).
Some changes in the voice also occur with age. The tissues of the larynx may harden, affecting the intensity and quality of the voice and leading to hoarseness. Changes in the tissues of the throat (pharynx) may cause food or fluid to leak into the windpipe during swallowing (inhalation). If the condition is severe, it can lead to pneumonia (pneumonia).
