As we grow older, we have a tendency to keep a close eye on our health, regular checkups, blood pressure checks, and eye tests. Our hearing is a crucial aspect that is frequently neglected.
Many individuals are not aware of the prevalence of hearing loss, which often advances slowly, specifically as people reach the age of 50 and older. The good news? Regular hearing exams are fast, pain-free, and can make a huge difference in your general health and quality of life!
Hearing impairment: a common problem that is frequently unnoticed
Hearing loss doesn’t always appear like turning the volume all the way up or asking people to repeat themselves. At the outset, the signs may be tenuous, materializing as difficulties following conversations, particularly in noisy settings, or a progressing feeling that people are speaking indistinctly.
In fact, 1 in 3 people over age 65 has hearing loss, and around 28% over 52 have difficulty with day-to-day activities because of this. The problem? Because hearing loss develops gradually, most individuals don’t recognize how much they’re missing until it begins impacting their relationships, work, or mental health.
The importance of regular hearing checks 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:
Identifying issues promptly results in taking immediate steps
The sooner hearing loss is recognized, the easier it is to manage. Regular assessments allow audiologists to record changes over time and suggest solutions before the issue becomes more advanced.
Hearing health is linked to brain health
Research has uncovered a link between unaddressed hearing loss and an increased probability 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, leading to increased mental exhaustion and a decline in cognitive abilities over time.
Better communication, better relationships
Hearing loss can cause aggravation, social solitude, and even depression. Struggling to hear or misinterpreting others on a routine basis can have an unfavorable impact on both your personal and professional relationships. Managing hearing problems helps maintain meaningful 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. Hearing loss has been linked to an increased danger of falls, especially in older adults.
What to expect during a hearing test
An audiological assessment is a quick and relaxed process that typically lasts less than an hour. You will meet with a hearing specialist who will:
- Go over any symptoms or concerns
- Make use of headphones to assess your auditory perception of a variety of frequencies
- Sometimes perform speech recognition tests or other evaluations
If hearing loss is detected, you’ll explore potential strategies, such as using hearing aids, using assistive listening devices, or making adjustments to your day-to-day habits to enhance your overall auditory well-being.
How frequently should you have a hearing assessment?
Hearing specialists suggest getting an initial hearing evaluation at 50 years old, then having regular checkups every year or every other year, especially if you:
- Detect changes in your hearing
- Have a family history of hearing loss
- 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 today
Your hearing affects how you connect with the world. Getting regular screenings once you reach the age of 50 can help in maintaining your mental focus, social relationships, and autonomy. Furthermore, scheduling these appointments is a simple way to monitor your health.
Need assistance getting started? Reach out to us now to schedule a comprehensive 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!
