Which change in hearing is considered a normal part of aging?

Sensitivity to loud noises is not typically considered a normal part of aging. In fact, as people age, they often experience presbycusis, which refers to a gradual loss of hearing that affects the ability to hear certain frequencies, especially high-pitched sounds. This condition is common and can lead to a decreased overall ability to hear.

Decreased hearing, which aligns with presbycusis, is indeed considered a normal and widespread change that many individuals experience as they grow older. As the auditory system ages, structural changes occur in the inner ear and auditory pathways, leading to this gradual decline.

Increased hearing is not associated with aging. Typically, there is either no significant change or a decrease in hearing ability. Similarly, while it's possible for someone to experience decreased hearing in just one ear, this is not classified as a normal age-related change; it can indicate other underlying health concerns that may require medical evaluation.

Thus, the characteristic change in hearing associated with aging is primarily a general decrease in hearing ability, highlighting that sensitivity to loud noises is not indicative of standard age-related hearing changes.