Presbycusis is best defined as:

Presbycusis is specifically referred to as normal age-related hearing loss, which occurs gradually as people grow older. This type of hearing loss is often characterized by a decreased ability to hear high-frequency sounds and can affect both ears equally. It results from a combination of factors, including changes in the inner ear, auditory nerve, and the brain's ability to process sound, all of which tend to worsen with age.

Understanding presbycusis supports its classification as a physiological change rather than as a result of drugs, eye conditions such as uveitis, or balance disorders associated with nystagmus. Distinguishing presbycusis as a normal and expected change rather than a pathological one allows for proper context when discussing age-related auditory health, emphasizing the importance of appropriate hearing assessments in older adults.