As we get older, we have a tendency to keep a close eye on our health, routine exams, blood pressure tests, and eye tests. But one essential area often gets neglected: our hearing!
Hearing loss is more common than many people recognize, and it can sneak in slowly, particularly after age 50. The good news? Routine hearing tests are quick, painless, and can make a significant difference in your general health and quality of life!
Hearing loss: a common problem that is frequently undetected
Not all cases of hearing loss are as easily noticeable as constantly raising the volume or frequently requesting people to speak louder. At the outset, the signs might be faint, manifesting as difficulties following conversations, particularly in loud settings, or a progressing feeling that others are speaking indistinctly.
Roughly one-third of people aged 65 and older experience hearing impairment, while almost 28% of those over 52 encounter troubles in their everyday activities as a result of this problem. The problem? Because hearing loss advances slowly, most individuals don’t recognize how much they’re missing until it starts affecting their relationships, work, or mental health.
Why hearing exams after age 50 make a difference
Similar to getting a yearly check-up or eye examination, having a hearing assessment can help protect your well-being. Let’s discover the significance of these evaluations:
Early diagnosis means early response
It is easier to manage hearing loss when recognized early. Regular screenings enable audiologists to monitor changes and suggest interventions before the issue advances further.
Hearing health is linked to brain health
Studies have shown that untreated hearing loss is linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia. That’s because the brain works harder to “fill in the blanks” when hearing is impaired, which can result in mental exhaustion and reduced cognitive function over time.
Improved communication results in more solid connections
Frustration, social isolation, and depression may result from hearing loss. Straining to hear or misinterpreting others on a routine basis can have a negative impact on both your personal and professional relationships. Improving hearing can help maintain significant 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. Hearing loss has been connected to an increased risk of falls, specifically in older adults.
What is a hearing test like?
A hearing test is simple, painless, and usually takes under an hour. You’ll meet with an audiologist who will:
- Share your concerns and symptoms
- Use headphones to assess how well you hear various tones and pitches
- Carry out tests like speech recognition
If hearing loss is detected, you’ll go over options, which might include hearing aids, assistive devices, or lifestyle adjustments to improve your hearing health.
How frequently should you have a hearing assessment?
Hearing specialists advise getting an initial hearing evaluation at 50 years old, then having routine exams every year or every other year, particularly if you:
- Discover some amount of hearing decline
- Have a family history of hearing loss
- Are exposed to loud noises on the job or in past workplaces
- Already use hearing aids
Don’t wait to get your hearing checked
Your hearing impacts how you connect with the world. Routine screenings after 50 can help you stay sharp, socially active, and independent– and they’re one of the easiest health checks you can get.
Need assistance getting started? Contact us today to book a hearing evaluation. Hearing specialists are available to help you in maintaining your hearing health and providing support, whether you have noticed any changes or simply want reassurance.
