As we age, we tend to keep a close eye on our health, routine exams, blood pressure checks, and eye exams. But one crucial area often gets overlooked: our hearing!
Many individuals are not aware of the pervasiveness of hearing loss, which frequently develops slowly, specifically as people reach the age of 50 and older. The good news? Routine hearing exams are fast, painless, and can make a huge difference in your overall well being and quality of life!
Hearing impairment: a common problem that is often unnoticed
Not all cases of hearing loss are as easily noticeable as continuously adjusting the volume or frequently requesting others to speak louder. At the outset, the indications might be tenuous, materializing as difficulties following discussions, particularly in noisy environments, or a progressing sense that others are talking illegibly.
Roughly one-third of individuals aged 65 and older cope with hearing loss, while nearly 28% of those over 52 encounter troubles in their everyday activities due to this problem. The issue? Because hearing loss develops slowly, most individuals don’t realize how much they’re missing until it begins affecting their relationships, work, or mental well-being.
Why hearing exams after age 50 make a difference
Exactly like a yearly physical or vision screening, a hearing test is a proactive way to safeguard your health. Here’s why they make a difference:
Detecting issues promptly leads to taking immediate measures
The earlier hearing loss is caught, the easier it is to deal with. Regular 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 shown that untreated hearing loss is associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
That’s because the brain struggles to “fill in the gaps” when hearing is impaired, which can result in mental fatigue and reduced mental function over time.
Better communication, stronger relationships
Frustration, social seclusion, and depression could result from hearing loss. When you’re constantly struggling to hear or misunderstanding others, it can take a toll on your personal and professional life. 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 contribute to maintaining your balance and spatial alignment. Older people are at a higher danger of falling when they are coping with hearing loss.
What is a hearing test like?
A hearing exam is simple, painless, and usually takes under an hour. You’ll meet with an audiologist who will:
- Share your concerns and symptoms
- Make use of headphones to evaluate your auditory perception of various frequencies
- Sometimes conduct speech recognition tests or other evaluations
If hearing loss is identified, you’ll discuss options, which might include hearing aids, assistive devices, or lifestyle adjustments to improve your hearing health.
How frequently should you get a hearing exam?
Hearing specialists advise getting an initial hearing test at 50 years old, then having regular checkups every year or every other year, especially if you:
- Notice changes in your hearing
- Have a family 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 today
Your hearing affects how you connect with the world. Having regular 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 simple way to monitor your health.
Need help 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!