As we grow older, we tend to keep a close watch on our health, routine checkups, blood pressure checks, and eye exams. Our hearing is a critical aspect that is often neglected.
Hearing loss is more common than many people recognize, and it can sneak in slowly, especially after age 50. The good news? Regular hearing exams are fast, painless, and can make a huge difference in your general well being and quality of life!
Hearing impairment: a prevalent problem that is frequently undetected
Not all instances of hearing loss are as easily noticeable as continuously raising the volume or frequently asking others to speak louder. At the outset, the indications might be faint, manifesting as difficulties following conversations, especially in loud settings, or a progressing feeling that others are talking indistinctly.
Roughly one-third of individuals aged 65 and older experience hearing impairment, while nearly 28% of those over 52 encounter difficulties in their daily activities due to this issue. The issue? Because hearing loss develops slowly, most individuals don’t recognize how much they’re missing until it begins impacting their relationships, work, or mental health.
The significance of routine hearing tests for people over 50
Similar to getting a yearly check-up or eye exam, undergoing a hearing evaluation can help safeguard your well-being. Let’s discover the importance of these evaluations:
Early diagnosis means early response
It is easier to deal with hearing loss when detected early. Routine screenings enable audiologists to monitor changes and suggest treatments before the problem advances further.
Hearing health is linked to brain health
Research has revealed a connection between unaddressed hearing loss and an increased probability of experiencing a decline in cognitive function and developing dementia.
That’s because the brain works harder to “fill in the blanks” when hearing is impaired, which can lead to mental exhaustion and reduced cognitive function over time.
Better communication, better relationships
Frustration, social seclusion, and depression may result from hearing loss. When you’re constantly struggling to hear or misinterpreting others, it can have a negative affect on your personal and professional life. Enhancing hearing can help preserve important relationships.
Hearing affects balance and safety
In addition to helping in your ability to hear, your ears also contribute to maintaining your balance and spatial orientation. Older adults are at a higher danger of falling when they experience hearing loss.
What to expect while having a hearing test
An audiological assessment is a fast and comfortable process that normally lasts less than an hour. You will consult with a hearing specialist who will:
- Share your concerns and symptoms
- Use headphones to assess how well you hear various tones and pitches
- Possibly conduct speech recognition tests or other assessments
If hearing loss is identified, you’ll explore potential solutions, such as wearing hearing aids, utilizing assistive listening devices, or making changes to your day-to-day habits to enhance your total auditory well-being.
How often should you get a hearing exam?
Experts suggest a baseline hearing test at age 50, followed by annual or biannual appointments, especially if you:
- Detect some amount of hearing decline
- Have a family background connected to hearing problems
- Are exposed to loud noises on the job or in past workplaces
- You are a current hearing aid user
Take control of your hearing health now
How you interact with the world is determined by your ability to hear. Having routine screenings once you reach the age of 50 can help in maintaining your mental focus, social connections, and autonomy. Furthermore, scheduling these appointments is a straightforward way to monitor your health.
Need assistance getting started? Contact us today to book a hearing evaluation. Whether you’ve noticed changes or just want peace of mind, hearing specialists are here to support your hearing– and your health– every step of the way!