As we grow older, we tend to keep a close watch on our health, regular checkups, blood pressure checks, and eye exams. But one essential area often gets neglected: our hearing!
Many people are unaware of the prevalence of hearing loss, which often develops gradually, specifically as individuals reach the age of 50 and older. The good news? Routine hearing tests are fast, painless, and can make a huge difference in your general well being and quality of life!
Hearing impairment: a common issue that is often unnoticed
Hearing loss doesn’t always appear like cranking the volume all the way up or asking people to repeat what they said. It can be subtle at first, like missing parts of conversations, especially in loud places, or feeling like people are mumbling more often.
As a matter of fact, 1 in 3 adults over age 65 has hearing loss, and about 28% over 52 have difficulty with daily tasks as a result. The main issue stems from the fact that hearing loss tends to progress slowly, leading people to frequently undervalue the degree of their impairment until it begins to affect their social connections, job performance, or emotional well being.
Why hearing exams after age 50 matter
Similar to getting a yearly check-up or eye exam, undergoing a hearing evaluation can help safeguard your well-being. Let’s discover the importance of these evaluations:
Early diagnosis means early action
It is easier to manage hearing loss when detected early. Regular screenings enable audiologists to keep track of changes and recommend treatments before the issue progresses further.
Hearing health is linked to brain health
Research has uncovered a connection between unaddressed hearing loss and an increased likelihood of experiencing a decline in mental function and developing dementia.
When hearing is compromised, the brain expends more effort to make up for the missing information, resulting in increased mental exhaustion and a decline in cognitive abilities over time.
Strengthened communication results in more solid relationships
Frustration, social isolation, and depression could result from hearing loss. When you’re continuously straining to hear or misinterpreting others, it can take a toll on your personal and professional life. Enhancing hearing can help preserve significant relationships.
Hearing affects balance and safety
In addition to aiding in your ability to hear, your ears also support maintaining your balance and spatial alignment. Older people are at a higher risk of falling when they experience hearing loss.
What to expect while having a hearing test
An audiological evaluation is a quick and comfortable process that usually takes under an hour. You will meet with a hearing specialist who will:
- Share your worries and symptoms
- Make use of headphones to evaluate your auditory perception of a variety of frequencies
- Possibly perform speech recognition tests or other assessments
If hearing loss is identified, 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 suggest getting 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 family background linked to hearing problems
- Are exposed to loud noises on the job or in past workplaces
- Already wear hearing aids
Take control of your hearing health now
How you interact with the world is determined by your ability to hear. Routine assessments after 50 can help you stay sharp, social, and independent– and they’re one of the easiest health checks you can get.
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!