With age, we often become more cautious about our health, going to routine medical appointments, monitoring our vital signs, and undergoing routine screenings to stay on top of our physical wellness. But one vital area often gets neglected: our hearing!
Many people are unaware of the pervasiveness of hearing loss, which frequently advances gradually, especially as people reach the age of 50 and older. The good news? Regular hearing exams are quick, painless, and can make a significant difference in your general health and quality of life!
Hearing loss: a prevalent problem that is often undetected
Not all cases of hearing loss are as easily detectable as constantly adjusting the volume or regularly requesting others to speak louder. It can be subtle initially, like missing out on parts of conversations, especially in loud places, or feeling like people are mumbling more often.
Roughly one-third of people aged 65 and older experience hearing loss, while nearly 28% of those over 52 encounter difficulties in their everyday activities due to this issue. The main issue stems from the fact that hearing loss tends to progress slowly, leading people to frequently underestimate the extent of their impairment until it begins to impact their social relationships, job performance, or emotional health.
Why hearing exams after age 50 make a difference
Just like an annual physical or vision assessment, a hearing test is a proactive way to protect your health. Here’s why they make a difference:
Early diagnosis means early response
It is easier to manage hearing loss when detected early. Regular screenings allow audiologists to monitor changes and suggest interventions before the issue advances further.
The health of your hearing is linked to the health of your brain
Research has uncovered a link between unaddressed hearing loss and an increased probability of experiencing a decline in mental function and developing dementia.
When hearing is compromised, the brain expends more effort to make up for the missing information, resulting in increased mental exhaustion and a decline in cognitive abilities over time.
Better communication, stronger relationships
Hearing loss can lead to aggravation, social solitude, and even depression. When you’re continuously straining to hear or misinterpreting others, it can have a negative affect on your personal and professional life. Improving hearing can help maintain significant relationships.
Hearing affects balance and safety
Your ears do more than help you hear– they also play a role in your balance and spatial awareness. Older adults are at a higher danger of falling when they experience hearing loss.
What is a hearing test like?
A hearing exam is simple, painless, and typically takes under an hour. You’ll consult with an audiologist who will:
- Discuss any symptoms or worries
- Use headphones to test how well you hear various tones and pitches
- Carry out tests like speech recognition
If hearing impairment is detected, you’ll explore potential solutions, such as using hearing aids, using assistive listening devices, or making adjustments to your daily habits to enhance your overall auditory health.
How frequently should you get a hearing test?
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 family background connected to hearing problems
- Work or have worked in loud environments
- You are a current hearing aid user
Take control of your hearing health now
Your hearing affects how you connect with the world. Getting regular assessments once you reach the age of 50 can assist in maintaining your mental acuity, social relationships, and autonomy. Additionally, scheduling these appointments is a straightforward way to monitor your health.
Need assistance getting started? Contact us today to book a hearing assessment. Hearing specialists are available to help you in maintaining your hearing health and providing support, whether you have noticed any changes or simply seek reassurance.