As we get older, we tend to keep a close eye on our health, regular checkups, blood pressure checks, and eye exams. But one essential area commonly gets neglected: our hearing!
Many people are unaware of the pervasiveness of hearing loss, which often develops slowly, particularly as individuals 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 overall well being and quality of life!
Hearing loss: a prevalent issue that is often undetected
Not all cases of hearing loss are as easily detectable as constantly adjusting the volume or regularly asking others to talk louder. It can be subtle initially, like missing out on parts of conversations, particularly in noisy places, or feeling like people are mumbling more frequently.
As a matter of fact, 1 in 3 adults over age 65 has hearing loss, and about 28% over 52 have difficulty with daily activities as a result. The issue? Because hearing loss advances gradually, most individuals don’t recognize how much they’re missing until it begins impacting their relationships, work, or mental well-being.
The significance of regular hearing checks for adults over 50
Just like an annual physical or vision assessment, a hearing exam is a proactive way to protect your health. Here’s why they matter:
Early diagnosis means early response
The earlier hearing loss is recognized, the easier it is to manage. Regular assessments allow audiologists to track changes over time and recommend solutions before the problem becomes more advanced.
The health of your hearing is linked to the health of your brain
Research has revealed a connection between unaddressed hearing loss and an increased likelihood 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, resulting in increased mental fatigue and a decline in cognitive abilities over time.
Improved communication leads to more solid connections
Hearing loss can cause aggravation, social withdrawal, and even depression. Straining to hear or misinterpreting others on a regular basis can have an unfavorable impact on both your personal and professional relationships. Enhancing hearing can help maintain important relationships.
Balance and safety can be impacted by hearing
In addition to assisting in your ability to hear, your ears also contribute to maintaining your balance and spatial alignment. Older adults are at a higher risk of falling when they are coping with hearing loss.
What is a hearing test like?
A hearing test is simple, painless, and usually takes less than an hour. You’ll meet with an audiologist who will:
- Share your concerns and symptoms
- Make use of headphones to assess your auditory perception of a variety of frequencies
- Carry out tests like speech recognition
If hearing loss is identified, you’ll explore potential strategies, including using hearing aids, utilizing assistive listening devices, or making adjustments to your daily habits to enhance your overall auditory health.
How frequently should you get a hearing test?
Experts suggest a baseline hearing exam at age 50, followed by yearly or biannual checkups, especially if you:
- Discover some amount of hearing decline
- Have a genetic history of hearing loss
- Work or have worked in noisy environments
- Already wear hearing aids
Don’t wait to get your hearing checked
How you interact with the world is determined by your ability to hear. Having routine screenings once you reach the age of 50 can help in maintaining your mental focus, social connections, and autonomy. Additionally, scheduling these appointments is a straightforward way to monitor your health.
Not sure where to start? Contact us today to book a hearing evaluation. Hearing specialists are available to assist you in maintaining your hearing health and providing support, whether you have noticed any changes or simply seek reassurance.