As we grow older, we tend to keep a close eye on our health, regular exams, blood pressure checks, and eye tests. But one essential area often gets neglected: our hearing!
Hearing loss is more prevalent than many people recognize, and it can creep in gradually, especially 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) issue
Hearing loss doesn’t always look like turning the volume all the way up or asking people to repeat themselves. At the outset, the signs might be tenuous, materializing as difficulties following discussions, especially in noisy settings, or a growing feeling that people are talking indistinctly.
As a matter of fact, 1 in 3 adults over age 65 are experiencing hearing loss, and about 28% over 52 have difficulty with day-to-day activities as a result. The problem? Because hearing loss develops gradually, most individuals don’t recognize how much they’re missing until it starts affecting their relationships, work, or mental well-being.
Why hearing tests after age 50 make a difference
Similar to getting a yearly check-up or eye exam, undergoing a hearing assessment can help protect your well-being. Let’s discover the significance of these assessments:
Early diagnosis means early response
The sooner hearing loss is recognized, the easier it is to manage. Routine screenings allow audiologists to track changes over time and recommend solutions before the issue becomes more advanced.
The health of your hearing is connected to the health of your brain
Research has uncovered a connection between unaddressed hearing loss and an increased likelihood of experiencing a decline in mental function and developing dementia.
That’s because the brain works harder to “fill in the gaps” when hearing is impaired, which can lead to mental fatigue and reduced mental function over time.
Improved communication results in more solid connections
Frustration, social isolation, and depression could result from hearing loss. Straining to hear or misunderstanding others on a routine basis can have an unfavorable effect on both your personal and professional relationships. Improving hearing can help maintain important relationships.
Hearing affects balance and safety
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, especially in older people.
What to expect while having a hearing test
A hearing test is basic, painless, and typically takes less than an hour. You’ll consult with an audiologist who will:
- Share your worries and symptoms
- Use headphones to assess how well you hear different tones and pitches
- Carry out tests like speech recognition
If hearing loss is identified, you’ll discuss options, which might include hearing aids, assistive devices, or lifestyle changes to improve your hearing health.
How frequently should you have a hearing assessment?
Hearing specialists suggest having an initial hearing test at 50 years old, then having regular exams every year or every other year, particularly if you:
- Detect some amount of hearing decline
- Have a genetic history of hearing loss
- Work or have worked in loud settings
- You are a current hearing aid user
Take control of your hearing health now
Your hearing impacts how you communicate with the world. Routine assessments after 50 can help you remain sharp, socially active, and independent– and they’re one of the easiest health checks you can schedule.
Need help getting started? 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 noticed any changes or simply seek reassurance.
