With age, we often become more cautious about our health, scheduling routine medical appointments, monitoring our vital signs, and undergoing regular assessments to stay on top of our physical health. Our hearing is a crucial aspect that is often overlooked.
Hearing loss is more common than many individuals realize, and it can sneak in slowly, especially after age 50. The silver lining is that routine hearing assessments are swift, non-invasive, and can have a profoundly positive effect on both your physical well-being and day-to-day life.
Hearing impairment: a common problem that is frequently undetected
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 faint, materializing as difficulties following discussions, especially in loud settings, or a progressing sense that others are speaking indistinctly.
Approximately one-third of people aged 65 and older cope with hearing impairment, while nearly 28% of those over 52 encounter difficulties in their everyday activities due to this issue. The issue? Because hearing loss advances slowly, most people don’t realize how much they’re missing until it starts impacting their relationships, work, or mental well-being.
The importance of routine hearing checks for people over 50
Exactly like an annual physical or vision assessment, a hearing exam is a proactive way to protect your health. Here’s why they make a difference:
Detecting issues quickly leads to taking immediate steps
It is easier to manage hearing loss when recognized early. Routine screenings allow audiologists to keep track of changes and recommend interventions before the issue progresses further.
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 expends more effort to make up for the missing information, leading to increased mental exhaustion and a decline in mental abilities over time.
Strengthened communication results in more solid connections
Frustration, social isolation, and depression could result from hearing impairment. Struggling to hear or misinterpreting others on a routine basis can have an unfavorable impact on both your personal and professional relationships. Addressing hearing issues helps preserve meaningful connections.
Balance and safety can be impacted by hearing
In addition to aiding in your ability to hear, your ears also support maintaining your balance and spatial alignment. Older people are at a higher danger of falling when they are coping with hearing loss.
What is a hearing test like?
An audiological evaluation is a fast and comfortable process that typically takes under an hour. You will meet with a hearing specialist who will:
- Share your worries and symptoms
- Use headphones to assess how well you hear various tones and pitches
- Carry out tests like speech recognition
If hearing loss is detected, you’ll go over options, which may include hearing aids, assistive devices, or lifestyle adjustments to improve your hearing health.
How frequently should you get a hearing test?
Hearing specialists advise having an initial hearing test at 50 years old, then having regular checkups every year or every other year, particularly if you:
- Notice changes in your hearing
- Have a genetic history of hearing loss
- Are exposed to loud sounds on the job or in past workplaces
- You are a current hearing aid user
Don’t hesitate to get your hearing checked
How you engage with the world is influenced by your ability to hear. Getting regular assessments once you reach the age of 50 can help in maintaining your mental focus, social connections, and autonomy. Additionally, scheduling these appointments is a simple way to monitor your health.
Need help getting started? Reach out to us now to schedule a comprehensive hearing test. 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!