What term is used to refer to age-related hearing loss?

The term that refers to age-related hearing loss is "Presbycusis." This condition is characterized by a gradual loss of hearing, typically occurring in older adults, and it is commonly associated with damage to the inner ear structures or the auditory pathways leading to the brain. As people age, they often experience difficulties in hearing higher frequency sounds, which can affect their ability to understand speech, particularly in noisy environments.

Presbycusis is a natural part of the aging process and can result from various factors, including genetics, prolonged exposure to noise, and the cumulative effects of health conditions. Recognizing this term is important for environmental health specialists, as they may encounter individuals affected by this condition and need to consider it in various contexts, such as occupational health assessments or public health outreach efforts.

The other terms listed do not relate to age-related hearing loss. "Preemptive threshold shift" refers to changes in hearing levels due to exposure to noise before any permanent damage occurs, "Presbyopia" pertains to age-related difficulty with near vision, and "Predysplasia" refers to abnormal tissue growth that could lead to cancer, none of which are associated with hearing loss. Understanding these distinctions can help professionals accurately identify and address health concerns among different populations.