As we grow older, we have a tendency to keep a close watch on our health, routine checkups, blood pressure tests, and eye exams. But one crucial area often gets neglected: our hearing!
Hearing loss is more prevalent than many individuals realize, and it can creep in slowly, particularly after age 50. The good news? Routine hearing tests are quick, painless, and can make a huge difference in your general health and quality of life!
Hearing loss: a prevalent issue that is frequently unnoticed
Hearing loss doesn’t always look like cranking the volume all the way up or asking people to repeat themselves. At the outset, the indications might be faint, manifesting as difficulties following conversations, particularly in loud environments, or a growing sense that people are talking indistinctly.
Approximately one-third of people 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 issue. The issue? Because hearing loss advances gradually, most people don’t recognize how much they’re missing until it begins impacting their relationships, work, or mental health.
Why hearing tests after age 50 matter
Exactly like an annual physical or vision screening, a hearing exam is a proactive way to safeguard your health. Here’s why they matter:
Detecting problems promptly leads to taking immediate measures
The earlier hearing loss is caught, the easier it is to deal with. Routine screenings allow audiologists to record changes over time and suggest solutions before the problem becomes more advanced.
The health of your hearing is connected to the health of your brain
Research has shown that untreated hearing loss is linked to an increased risk of mental decline and dementia.
That’s because the brain struggles to “fill in the gaps” when hearing is impaired, which can result in mental exhaustion and reduced mental function over time.
Strengthened communication leads to more solid relationships
Frustration, social isolation, and depression could result from hearing impairment. When you’re continuously struggling to hear or misinterpreting others, it can have a negative affect on your personal and professional life. Managing hearing issues helps preserve meaningful connections.
Balance and safety can be impacted by hearing
In addition to helping in your ability to hear, your ears also contribute to maintaining your balance and spatial alignment. Hearing loss has been linked to an increased risk of falls, especially in older people.
What to expect while having a hearing exam
A hearing exam is simple, painless, and typically takes less than an hour. You’ll meet with an audiologist who will:
- Share your concerns and symptoms
- Utilize headphones to evaluate your auditory perception of a variety of frequencies
- Possibly conduct speech recognition tests or other assessments
If hearing loss is identified, you’ll explore potential solutions, such as using hearing aids, using assistive listening devices, or making changes to your daily habits to enhance your overall auditory health.
How frequently should you have a hearing assessment?
Experts recommend a baseline hearing exam at age 50, followed by yearly or biannual checkups, particularly if you:
- Detect changes in your hearing
- Have a family background connected to hearing issues
- Are exposed to loud noises on the job or in past workplaces
- Already use hearing aids
Take control of your hearing health now
Your hearing impacts how you communicate with the world. Getting regular screenings once you reach the age of 50 can help in maintaining your mental acuity, social relationships, and autonomy. Additionally, scheduling these appointments is a straightforward way to monitor your health.
Not sure where to start? Reach out to us now to schedule a complete hearing assessment. Hearing specialists are available to assist you in preserving your hearing health and providing support, whether you have observed any changes or simply want reassurance.
