As we get older, we have a tendency to keep a close watch on our health, regular exams, blood pressure checks, and eye exams. But one vital area often gets overlooked: our hearing!
Hearing loss is more common than many individuals recognize, and it can sneak in gradually, particularly after age 50. The good news? Routine hearing exams are quick, painless, and can make a significant difference in your overall health and quality of life!
Hearing loss: a common (and often quiet) problem
Hearing loss doesn’t always appear like turning the volume all the way up or asking people to repeat what they said. It can be subtle initially, like missing out on parts of conversations, especially in loud places, or feeling as if people are mumbling more frequently.
Roughly one-third of individuals aged 65 and older cope with hearing loss, while almost 28% of those over 52 encounter troubles in their everyday activities due to this issue. The primary issue derives from the fact that hearing loss tends to progress gradually, leading people to frequently underestimate the extent of their impairment until it begins to impact their social connections, work performance, or emotional well being.
Why hearing tests after age 50 matter
Much like getting a yearly check-up or eye examination, undergoing a hearing evaluation can help protect your well-being. Let’s discover the significance of these assessments:
Early diagnosis means early response
It is easier to deal with hearing loss when recognized early. Routine screenings enable audiologists to keep track of changes and recommend treatments before the problem advances further.
The health of your hearing is connected to the health of your brain
Research has shown that neglected hearing loss is associated with a higher risk of mental decline and dementia.
When hearing is jeopardized, the brain expends more effort to make up for the missing information, leading to increased mental fatigue and a decline in cognitive abilities over time.
Better communication, stronger relationships
Hearing loss can lead to frustration, social withdrawal, and even depression. Straining to hear or misinterpreting others on a regular basis can have a negative effect on both your personal and professional relationships. Enhancing hearing can help maintain significant relationships.
Balance and safety can be impacted by hearing
In addition to helping in your ability to hear, your ears also support maintaining your balance and spatial alignment. Older adults are at a higher risk of falling when they are coping with hearing loss.
What is a hearing test like?
A hearing exam is basic, painless, and usually takes less than an hour. You’ll consult with an audiologist who will:
- Share your concerns and symptoms
- Utilize headphones to evaluate your auditory perception of a variety of frequencies
- Carry out tests like speech recognition
If hearing loss is detected, you’ll discuss options, which may include hearing aids, assistive devices, or lifestyle adjustments to improve your hearing health.
How frequently should you have a hearing assessment?
Hearing specialists advise having an initial hearing evaluation at 50 years old, then having regular exams every year or every other year, particularly if you:
- Discover some amount of hearing decline
- Have a family background linked to hearing problems
- Are exposed to loud sounds on the job or in past workplaces
- You are a current hearing aid user
Don’t hesitate to have your hearing examined
How you engage with the world is determined by your ability to hear. Getting regular assessments once you reach the age of 50 can help in maintaining your mental focus, social connections, and autonomy. Additionally, scheduling these appointments is a straightforward way to monitor your health.
Not certain where to start? Reach out to us now to schedule a comprehensive hearing assessment. 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!