As we get older, we have a tendency to keep a close watch on our health, regular exams, blood pressure tests, and eye tests. Our hearing is a crucial element that is often overlooked.
Many individuals are unaware of the prevalence of hearing loss, which often advances slowly, especially as people reach the age of 50 and older. The good news? Routine hearing tests are quick, painless, and can make a significant difference in your general well being 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. At the outset, the signs might be tenuous, materializing as difficulties following conversations, especially in loud settings, or a progressing sense that people are speaking indistinctly.
Roughly one-third of people aged 65 and older experience hearing loss, while almost 28% of those over 52 encounter difficulties in their everyday tasks due to this issue. The primary problem derives from the fact that hearing loss tends to advance slowly, leading individuals to frequently underestimate the degree of their impairment until it begins to impact their social connections, work performance, or emotional well being.
Why hearing exams after age 50 make a difference
Just like an annual physical or vision screening, a hearing exam is a proactive way to protect your health. Here’s why they make a difference:
Early detection means early response
It is easier to deal with hearing loss when recognized early. Regular screenings enable audiologists to monitor changes and suggest treatments before the issue progresses further.
The health of your hearing is connected to the health of your brain
Research has uncovered a connection between unaddressed hearing loss and an increased likelihood of experiencing a decline in mental function and developing dementia.
That’s because the brain works harder to “fill in the blanks” when hearing is impaired, which can lead to mental fatigue and decreased cognitive function over time.
Better communication, better relationships
Frustration, social seclusion, and depression could result from hearing impairment. Straining to hear or misinterpreting others on a regular basis can have a negative effect on both your personal and professional relationships. Addressing hearing problems helps maintain meaningful relationships.
Balance and safety can be impacted by hearing
In addition to helping in your ability to hear, your ears also contribute to maintaining your balance and spatial alignment. Hearing loss has been linked to an increased danger of falls, particularly in older people.
What to expect while having a hearing test
An audiological assessment is a quick and relaxed process that normally lasts less than 60 minutes. You will meet with a hearing specialist who will:
- Go over any symptoms or worries
- Use headphones to assess how well you hear various tones and pitches
- Sometimes 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 changes to improve your hearing health.
How frequently should you have a hearing evaluation?
Experts suggest a baseline hearing exam at age 50, followed by annual or biannual appointments, particularly if you:
- Notice changes in your hearing
- Have a family background linked to hearing problems
- Work or have worked in noisy environments
- You are a current hearing aid user
Don’t wait to get your hearing examined
How you interact with the world is influenced by your ability to hear. Regular assessments after 50 can help you remain sharp, social, and independent– and they’re one of the easiest health checks you can schedule.
Need help getting started? Contact us today to book a hearing evaluation. 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!