As we age, we tend to keep a close eye on our health, routine checkups, blood pressure checks, and eye exams. Our hearing is a critical element that is frequently overlooked.
Hearing loss is more prevalent than many individuals recognize, and it can creep in gradually, particularly after age 50. The positive side is that regular hearing assessments are swift, non-invasive, and can have a profoundly positive impact on both your physical well-being and day-to-day life.
Hearing loss: a prevalent problem that is often undetected
Hearing loss doesn’t always appear like cranking the volume all the way up or asking people to repeat themselves. It can be subtle at first, like missing parts of conversations, particularly in loud places, or feeling as if people are mumbling more frequently.
As a matter of fact, 1 in 3 adults over age 65 are experiencing hearing loss, and around 28% over 52 have difficulty with daily tasks because of this. The issue? Because hearing loss progresses gradually, most individuals don’t recognize how much they’re missing until it starts affecting their relationships, work, or mental health.
The importance of routine hearing tests for adults over 50
Exactly like an annual physical or vision assessment, a hearing exam is a proactive way to safeguard your health. Here’s why they matter:
Early diagnosis means early response
The earlier hearing loss is caught, the easier it is to manage. Regular screenings allow audiologists to track changes over time and suggest solutions before the problem becomes more advanced.
Hearing health is linked to brain health
Research has revealed a link between unaddressed hearing loss and an increased likelihood of experiencing a decline in mental function and developing dementia.
That’s because the brain struggles to “fill in the blanks” when hearing is impaired, which can lead to mental fatigue and reduced cognitive function over time.
Better communication, better relationships
Frustration, social isolation, and depression could result from hearing loss. Struggling to hear or misinterpreting others on a routine basis can have an unfavorable effect on both your personal and professional relationships. Enhancing hearing can help preserve important relationships.
Balance and safety can be impacted by hearing
Your ears do more than help you hear– they also play a role in your equilibrium and spatial awareness. Older adults are at a higher danger of falling when they experience hearing loss.
What is a hearing test like?
A hearing exam is basic, painless, and typically takes less than an hour. You’ll meet with an audiologist who will:
- Go over any symptoms or concerns
- Make use of headphones to evaluate your auditory perception of a variety of frequencies
- Sometimes conduct speech recognition tests or other assessments
If hearing loss is detected, you’ll go over options, which might include hearing aids, assistive devices, or lifestyle changes to improve your hearing health.
How often should you get a hearing exam?
Experts suggest a baseline hearing exam at age 50, followed by yearly or biannual appointments, particularly if you:
- Detect changes in your hearing
- Have a family background connected to hearing issues
- Are exposed to loud sounds on the job or in past workplaces
- You are a current hearing aid user
Don’t hesitate to have your hearing checked
Your hearing impacts how you communicate with the world. Regular assessments after 50 can help you stay sharp, social, and independent– and they’re one of the simplest health checks you can get.
Need assistance getting started? Reach out to us now to schedule a complete hearing test. Whether you’ve observed changes or just want peace of mind, hearing specialists are here to support your hearing– and your health– every step of the way!