As we age, we have a tendency to keep a close watch on our health, routine exams, blood pressure checks, and eye tests. But one essential area often gets overlooked: our hearing!
Many individuals are not aware of the prevalence of hearing loss, which often develops slowly, specifically as individuals reach the age of 50 and older. The positive side is that regular hearing evaluations are swift, non-invasive, and can have a profoundly positive impact on both your physical well-being and daily life.
Hearing loss: a prevalent (and often quiet) problem
Hearing loss doesn’t always look like cranking the volume all the way up or asking people to repeat themselves. It can be subtle at first, like missing out on parts of conversations, especially in noisy places, or feeling as if people are mumbling more often.
Roughly one-third of people aged 65 and older experience hearing loss, while nearly 28% of those over 52 encounter troubles in their daily activities as a result of this problem. The issue? Because hearing loss develops slowly, most people don’t realize how much they’re missing until it starts affecting their relationships, work, or mental health.
The significance of routine hearing tests for adults over 50
Similar to getting a yearly check-up or eye exam, undergoing a hearing evaluation can help protect your well-being. Let’s explore the importance of these evaluations:
Identifying issues quickly results in taking immediate steps
The earlier hearing loss is caught, the easier it is to deal with. Routine screenings allow audiologists to track changes over time and recommend solutions before the issue becomes more advanced.
Hearing health is connected to brain health
Research has uncovered a connection between unaddressed hearing loss and an increased likelihood of experiencing a decline in cognitive function and developing dementia.
When hearing is compromised, the brain uses more effort to compensate for the missing information, leading to increased mental fatigue and a decline in cognitive abilities over time.
Improved communication leads to more solid relationships
Hearing loss can cause aggravation, social solitude, and even depression. When you’re constantly straining to hear or misunderstanding others, it can take a toll on your personal and professional life. Enhancing hearing can help preserve important relationships.
Balance and safety can be impacted by hearing
Your ears do more than help you hear– they also play a role in your balance and spatial awareness. Older people are at a higher risk of falling when they experience hearing loss.
What to expect while having a hearing test
A hearing test is simple, painless, and typically takes under an hour. You’ll consult with an audiologist who will:
- Go over any symptoms or worries
- Utilize headphones to evaluate your auditory perception of a variety of frequencies
- Carry out tests like speech recognition
If hearing loss is identified, you’ll explore potential strategies, such as wearing hearing aids, using assistive listening devices, or making adjustments to your daily habits to improve your overall auditory well-being.
How often should you get a hearing test?
Experts recommend a baseline hearing test at age 50, followed by annual or biannual appointments, especially if you:
- Detect some amount of hearing decline
- Have a family background linked to hearing issues
- Work or have worked in loud environments
- Already wear hearing aids
Take control of your hearing health now
Your hearing affects how you connect with the world. Having regular assessments once you reach the age of 50 can help in maintaining your mental focus, social relationships, and autonomy. Additionally, scheduling these appointments is a simple way to monitor your health.
Not certain where to start? 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!
