With age, we often become more cautious about our health, scheduling routine medical appointments, monitoring our vital signs, and having regular assessments to stay on top of our physical wellness. But one crucial area often gets neglected: our hearing!
Many people are not aware of the pervasiveness of hearing loss, which frequently advances gradually, particularly as individuals reach the age of 50 and older. The good news? Routine hearing exams are fast, painless, and can make a significant difference in your overall well being and quality of life!
Hearing impairment: a prevalent issue 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 faint, materializing as difficulties following discussions, especially in noisy environments, or a progressing feeling that people are talking indistinctly.
Roughly one-third of individuals aged 65 and older cope with hearing impairment, while nearly 28% of those over 52 encounter troubles in their daily tasks as a result of this issue. The problem? Because hearing loss progresses gradually, most people don’t realize how much they’re missing until it starts impacting their relationships, work, or mental health.
The importance of routine hearing checks for people over 50
Just like an annual physical or vision screening, a hearing test is a proactive way to protect your health. Here’s why they make a difference:
Early diagnosis means early action
It is easier to manage hearing loss when detected early. Regular screenings enable audiologists to keep track of changes and recommend interventions before the problem 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 probability of experiencing a decline in mental function and developing dementia.
That’s because the brain struggles to “fill in the blanks” when hearing is impaired, which can lead to mental exhaustion and decreased mental function over time.
Improved communication results in more solid relationships
Hearing loss can lead to frustration, social solitude, and even depression. When you’re continuously straining to hear or misinterpreting others, it can take a toll on your personal and professional life. Managing hearing problems helps preserve meaningful connections.
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 risk of falling when they experience hearing loss.
What to expect while having a hearing exam
An audiological assessment is a quick and comfortable process that usually lasts under an hour. You will consult with a hearing specialist who will:
- Go over any symptoms or concerns
- Make use of headphones to evaluate your auditory perception of various frequencies
- Possibly conduct speech recognition tests or other evaluations
If hearing loss is detected, you’ll discuss options, which might include hearing aids, assistive devices, or lifestyle changes to improve your hearing health.
How often should you get a hearing test?
Experts recommend a baseline hearing exam at age 50, followed by annual or biannual checkups, particularly if you:
- Discover some amount of hearing decline
- Have a family background linked to hearing problems
- Work or have worked in loud environments
- Already wear hearing aids
Don’t hesitate to have your hearing checked
How you interact with the world is determined by your ability to hear. Regular assessments after 50 can help you stay 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 assessment. 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!
