H91.1: Presbycusis
The ear is a sensory organ that is used to hear and to maintain one's balance. There are 3 different areas in the ear: the outer ear, middle ear and inner ear. The actual hearing organ, the cochlea, is in the inner ear. The cochlea consists of a channel of bone in a spiral, like a snail. Inside the cochlea are the sensory cells for hearing. The inner ear connects to the brain via the auditory nerve.
At an advanced age, it may also be that the sensory cells for hearing stop working properly. This can cause hearing loss in both ears. High-pitched sounds, in particular, then become difficult to understand. It can also be difficult to follow conversations in a noisy environment. In addition to hearing loss, there may also be a noise in one's ear.
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For a complete understanding of your condition and what the diagnosis means for you, please speak directly with your doctor.