With age, we typically become more cautious about our well-being, scheduling regular medical appointments, monitoring our vital signs, and having regular screenings to stay on top of our physical health. Our hearing is a crucial element that is often overlooked.
Hearing loss is more prevalent than many individuals realize, and it can creep in slowly, especially after age 50. The good news? Routine hearing exams are fast, pain-free, and can make a huge difference in your overall health and quality of life!
Hearing loss: a common (and often quiet) problem
Not all instances of hearing loss are as easily noticeable as continuously raising the volume or regularly asking people to talk louder. At the outset, the indications might be tenuous, materializing as difficulties following conversations, especially in noisy environments, or a progressing feeling that people are talking illegibly.
In fact, 1 in 3 adults over age 65 are experiencing hearing loss, and about 28% over 52 have difficulty with daily tasks as a result. The problem? Because hearing loss develops gradually, most individuals don’t recognize how much they’re missing until it starts impacting their relationships, work, or mental health.
Why hearing exams after age 50 matter
Just like an annual physical or vision assessment, a hearing test is a proactive way to safeguard your health. Here’s why they make a difference:
Identifying problems promptly leads to taking immediate measures
It is easier to deal with hearing loss when detected early. Routine 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
Studies have revealed that untreated hearing loss is linked to an increased danger of mental decline and dementia.
That’s because the brain struggles to “fill in the blanks” when hearing is impaired, which can result in mental fatigue and reduced cognitive function over time.
Better communication, stronger relationships
Hearing loss can cause aggravation, social withdrawal, and even depression. Straining to hear or misinterpreting others on a routine basis can have an unfavorable impact on both your personal and professional relationships. Addressing hearing problems helps maintain meaningful connections.
Hearing affects balance and safety
In addition to helping in your ability to hear, your ears also support maintaining your balance and spatial orientation. Older adults are at a higher risk of falling when they experience hearing loss.
What is a hearing test like?
An audiological assessment is a fast and comfortable process that usually takes less than 60 minutes. You will meet with a hearing specialist who will:
- Share your concerns and symptoms
- Utilize headphones to assess your auditory perception of various frequencies
- Carry out tests like speech recognition
If hearing loss is detected, you’ll go over options, which may include hearing aids, assistive devices, or lifestyle adjustments to improve your hearing health.
How often should you get a hearing exam?
Hearing specialists advise having 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 linked to hearing issues
- Are exposed to loud sounds on the job or in past workplaces
- You are a current hearing aid user
Take control of your hearing health now
Your hearing affects how you connect with the world. Having routine screenings once you reach the age of 50 can help in maintaining your mental acuity, social relationships, and autonomy. Furthermore, scheduling these appointments is a simple 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!