As we age, we have a tendency to keep a close watch on our health, routine checkups, blood pressure checks, and eye exams. But one crucial area often gets neglected: our hearing!
Many people are not aware of the prevalence of hearing loss, which often advances slowly, especially as people reach the age of 50 and older. The silver lining is that routine hearing evaluations 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 prevalent issue that is frequently unnoticed
Hearing loss doesn’t always look like cranking the volume all the way up or asking people to repeat what they said. At the outset, the signs might be faint, manifesting as difficulties following conversations, especially in noisy settings, or a growing sense that people are talking illegibly.
In fact, 1 in 3 people over age 65 are experiencing hearing loss, and around 28% over 52 have trouble with day-to-day tasks as a result. The issue? Because hearing loss develops slowly, most individuals don’t recognize how much they’re missing until it begins impacting their relationships, work, or mental well-being.
The importance of routine hearing tests for adults over 50
Much like getting a yearly check-up or eye examination, having a hearing evaluation can help safeguard your health. Let’s discover the significance of these evaluations:
Identifying issues promptly leads to taking immediate measures
The sooner hearing loss is caught, the easier it is to deal with. Regular screenings allow audiologists to record changes over time and recommend solutions before the problem becomes more advanced.
Hearing health is linked to brain health
Studies have revealed that neglected hearing loss is linked to a higher risk of mental decline and 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.
Better communication, better relationships
Frustration, social seclusion, and depression could result from hearing impairment. When you’re continuously straining to hear or misinterpreting others, it can have a negative affect on your personal and professional life. Managing hearing problems helps preserve meaningful 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 exam
A hearing exam is simple, painless, and typically takes less than an hour. You’ll consult with an audiologist who will:
- Share your concerns and symptoms
- Utilize headphones to evaluate your auditory perception of various frequencies
- Possibly perform speech recognition tests or other assessments
If hearing impairment is detected, you’ll explore potential solutions, such as using hearing aids, utilizing assistive listening devices, or making adjustments to your day-to-day habits to improve your total auditory well-being.
How frequently should you get a hearing exam?
Hearing specialists suggest having an initial hearing test at 50 years old, then having routine exams every year or every other year, especially if you:
- Detect some amount of hearing decline
- Have a family background linked to hearing issues
- Work or have worked in noisy environments
- You are a current hearing aid user
Take control of your hearing health today
Your hearing affects how you communicate with the world. Having routine assessments once you reach the age of 50 can help in maintaining your mental acuity, social relationships, and autonomy. Furthermore, scheduling these appointments is a straightforward way to monitor your health.
Need help getting started? Contact us today to book a hearing evaluation. Hearing specialists are available to help you in maintaining your hearing health and providing support, whether you have observed any changes or simply want reassurance.