As we grow older, we have a tendency to keep a close watch on our health, routine checkups, blood pressure tests, and eye exams. Our hearing is a critical aspect that is often overlooked.
Hearing loss is more prevalent than many individuals realize, and it can sneak in gradually, particularly after age 50. The good news? Regular hearing tests are fast, pain-free, and can make a significant difference in your overall health and quality of life!
Hearing loss: a prevalent (and often quiet) issue
Hearing loss doesn’t always appear like turning the volume all the way up or asking people to repeat themselves. It can be subtle at first, like missing parts of conversations, especially in noisy places, or feeling like people are mumbling more often.
Approximately one-third of individuals aged 65 and older experience hearing loss, while nearly 28% of those over 52 encounter troubles in their daily tasks as a result of this problem. The issue? Because hearing loss progresses slowly, most individuals don’t realize how much they’re missing until it begins impacting their relationships, work, or mental health.
The importance of routine hearing tests for people over 50
Exactly like a yearly physical or vision assessment, a hearing exam is a proactive way to safeguard your health. Here’s why they make a difference:
Early diagnosis means early response
The sooner hearing loss is recognized, the easier it is to manage. Routine assessments allow audiologists to record changes over time and suggest solutions before the problem becomes more advanced.
Hearing health is linked to brain health
Research has revealed a link between unaddressed hearing loss and an increased probability of experiencing a decline in mental function and developing dementia.
When hearing is jeopardized, the brain uses more effort to compensate for the missing information, leading to increased mental fatigue and a decline in cognitive abilities over time.
Better communication, better relationships
Frustration, social isolation, and depression may result from hearing impairment. When you’re continuously straining to hear or misinterpreting others, it can have a negative affect on your personal and professional life. Addressing hearing issues helps preserve meaningful relationships.
Balance and safety can be impacted by hearing
Your ears do more than help you hear– they also play a role in your equilibrium and spatial awareness. Hearing loss has been linked to an increased risk of falls, specifically in older people.
What to expect while having a hearing test
An audiological evaluation is a fast and relaxed process that usually takes under an hour. You will meet with a hearing specialist who will:
- Go over any symptoms or concerns
- Use headphones to test how well you hear various tones and pitches
- Perform tests like speech recognition
If hearing loss is identified, you’ll go over options, which might include hearing aids, assistive devices, or lifestyle adjustments to improve your hearing health.
How often should you get a hearing exam?
Hearing specialists suggest getting an initial hearing evaluation at 50 years old, then having regular checkups every year or every other year, especially if you:
- Discover some amount of hearing decline
- Have a genetic history of hearing loss
- 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
Your hearing impacts how you communicate with the world. Having regular assessments once you reach the age of 50 can assist in maintaining your mental acuity, social connections, and autonomy. Additionally, scheduling these appointments is a straightforward way to monitor your health.
Not certain where to begin? Contact us today to book a hearing evaluation. Hearing specialists are available to help you in maintaining your hearing health and providing support, whether you have observed any changes or simply seek reassurance.
