What is a common age-dependent change in the special senses related to hearing?

Presbycusis is a common age-related change that affects the auditory system, leading to gradual hearing loss in older adults. This condition is primarily due to the degeneration of the hair cells in the cochlea, which diminishes the ability to perceive high-frequency sounds. As people age, they often find it more difficult to hear conversations, especially in noisy environments, due to this progressive loss of sensitivity to certain sound frequencies.

In contrast, the other listed options pertain to changes in different sensory systems or age-related conditions not primarily linked to hearing. Cataracts are related to the eye and involve the clouding of the lens, while macular degeneration primarily affects central vision. Tinnitus, although it can be associated with hearing loss, is not exclusively an age-dependent condition and can arise from various causes, including exposure to loud noises or ear infections. Thus, presbycusis specifically links to age-related changes in the auditory system, making it the most appropriate choice regarding age-dependent changes in hearing.