With age, we typically become more cautious about our health, scheduling routine medical appointments, monitoring our vital signs, and undergoing routine screenings to stay on top of our physical wellness. But one vital area commonly gets neglected: our hearing!
Many individuals are not aware of the pervasiveness of hearing loss, which often develops slowly, especially as people reach the age of 50 and older. The good news? Routine hearing exams are quick, pain-free, and can make a huge difference in your general health and quality of life!
Hearing loss: a common (and often quiet) problem
Hearing loss doesn’t always look like turning the volume all the way up or asking people to repeat themselves. It can be subtle initially, like missing parts of conversations, particularly in loud places, or feeling as if people are mumbling more often.
Approximately one-third of individuals aged 65 and older experience hearing loss, while nearly 28% of those over 52 encounter difficulties in their everyday activities due to this problem. The problem? Because hearing loss develops slowly, most people don’t recognize how much they’re missing until it begins impacting their relationships, work, or mental health.
Why hearing exams after age 50 matter
Much like getting a yearly check-up or eye examination, undergoing a hearing assessment can help safeguard your health. Let’s discover the significance of these evaluations:
Detecting issues promptly leads to taking immediate steps
It is easier to manage hearing loss when recognized early. Regular screenings allow audiologists to monitor changes and recommend treatments before the issue progresses further.
The health of your hearing is linked to the health of your brain
Research has shown that untreated hearing loss is associated with a higher danger of cognitive decline and dementia.
That’s because the brain struggles to “fill in the blanks” when hearing is impaired, which can lead to mental fatigue and reduced mental function over time.
Strengthened communication results in more solid relationships
Frustration, social seclusion, and depression could result from hearing loss. When you’re continuously struggling to hear or misinterpreting others, it can have a negative affect on your personal and professional life. Enhancing hearing can help maintain important relationships.
Hearing affects balance and safety
Your ears do more than help you hear– they also play a role in your equilibrium and spatial awareness. Older people are at a higher danger of falling when they are coping with hearing loss.
What to expect while having a hearing exam
A hearing test is simple, painless, and typically takes less than an hour. You’ll consult with an audiologist who will:
- Discuss any symptoms or concerns
- Use headphones to test how well you hear different tones and pitches
- Possibly perform speech recognition tests or other assessments
If hearing loss is identified, you’ll go over 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 having an initial hearing test at 50 years old, then having routine exams every year or every other year, particularly if you:
- Detect some amount of hearing decline
- Have a family background connected to hearing problems
- 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. Getting regular assessments once you reach the age of 50 can help in maintaining your mental focus, social relationships, and autonomy. Furthermore, scheduling these appointments is a straightforward way to monitor your health.
Need assistance getting started? Reach out to us now to schedule a complete hearing test. 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!