As we grow older, we have a tendency to keep a close watch on our health, routine checkups, blood pressure tests, and eye exams. Our hearing is a critical element that is frequently overlooked.
Hearing loss is more prevalent than many people realize, and it can sneak in gradually, particularly after age 50. The silver lining 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 issue that is frequently undetected
Hearing loss doesn’t always look like turning the volume all the way up or asking people to repeat what they said. At the outset, the indications might be tenuous, materializing as difficulties following conversations, particularly in noisy environments, or a progressing feeling that people are talking illegibly.
Roughly one-third of individuals aged 65 and older experience hearing impairment, while nearly 28% of those over 52 encounter troubles in their everyday activities as a result of this problem. 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 health.
The significance of routine hearing checks for adults over 50
Exactly like a yearly physical or vision assessment, a hearing exam is a proactive way to safeguard your health. Here’s why they make a difference:
Early diagnosis means early action
The earlier hearing loss is caught, the easier it is to deal with. Routine assessments allow audiologists to track changes over time and suggest solutions before the issue becomes more advanced.
Hearing health is linked to brain health
Research has shown that untreated hearing loss is associated with an increased danger of mental decline and dementia.
That’s because the brain struggles to “fill in the gaps” when hearing is impaired, which can result in mental exhaustion and decreased cognitive function over time.
Strengthened communication results in more solid connections
Hearing loss can lead to aggravation, social solitude, and even depression. Struggling to hear or misinterpreting others on a routine basis can have an unfavorable effect on both your personal and professional relationships. Addressing hearing issues helps maintain meaningful relationships.
Hearing affects balance and safety
In addition to assisting 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 are coping with hearing loss.
What is a hearing test like?
A hearing exam is basic, painless, and typically takes under an hour. You’ll consult with an audiologist who will:
- Discuss any symptoms or worries
- Use headphones to assess how well you hear various tones and pitches
- Perform tests like speech recognition
If hearing impairment is identified, you’ll explore potential strategies, including using hearing aids, using assistive listening devices, or making adjustments to your daily habits to improve your total auditory health.
How frequently should you get a hearing exam?
Hearing specialists advise having an initial hearing evaluation at 50 years old, then having routine exams every year or every other year, especially if you:
- Detect some amount of hearing decline
- Have a family background linked to hearing problems
- Work or have worked in loud settings
- You are a current hearing aid user
Take control of your hearing health today
How you interact with the world is influenced by your ability to hear. Getting regular assessments once you reach the age of 50 can assist in maintaining your mental acuity, social connections, and autonomy. Furthermore, scheduling these appointments is a straightforward way to monitor your health.
Not certain where to start? 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!