With age, we often become more cautious about our health, scheduling regular medical appointments, monitoring our vital signs, and undergoing regular assessments to stay on top of our physical wellness. Our hearing is a crucial element that is often neglected.
Hearing loss is more common than many individuals recognize, and it can creep in gradually, especially after age 50. The silver lining is that routine 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 common issue that is often unnoticed
Hearing loss doesn’t always look like cranking the volume all the way up or asking people to repeat themselves. It can be subtle initially, like missing out on parts of conversations, especially in loud places, or feeling as if people are mumbling more often.
As a matter of fact, 1 in 3 people over age 65 are experiencing hearing loss, and around 28% over 52 have difficulty with day-to-day tasks as a result. The main problem stems from the fact that hearing loss tends to progress gradually, leading people to often underestimate the degree of their impairment until it starts to impact their social relationships, job performance, or emotional health.
Why hearing tests after age 50 matter
Much like getting a yearly check-up or eye exam, undergoing a hearing evaluation can help safeguard your well-being. Let’s discover the importance of these evaluations:
Detecting problems quickly leads to taking immediate measures
It is easier to manage hearing loss when recognized early. Routine screenings allow audiologists to monitor changes and recommend interventions before the issue advances further.
Hearing health is linked to brain health
Studies have revealed that untreated hearing loss is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and 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 cognitive abilities over time.
Improved communication leads to more solid relationships
Hearing loss can cause aggravation, social withdrawal, and even depression. Straining to hear or misinterpreting others on a regular basis can have an unfavorable impact on both your personal and professional relationships. Managing hearing issues helps maintain meaningful connections.
Balance and safety can be impacted by hearing
Your ears do more than help you hear– they also play a role in your equilibrium and spatial awareness. Hearing loss has been linked to an increased risk of falls, especially in older people.
What is a hearing test like?
A hearing test is basic, painless, and usually takes under an hour. You’ll meet with an audiologist who will:
- Go over any symptoms or concerns
- 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 explore potential solutions, including using hearing aids, utilizing assistive listening devices, or making changes to your daily habits to improve your total auditory health.
How often should you get a hearing test?
Experts recommend a baseline hearing exam at age 50, followed by annual or biannual appointments, particularly if you:
- Detect some amount of hearing decline
- Have a genetic history of hearing loss
- Work or have worked in noisy environments
- Already use hearing aids
Don’t wait to get your hearing checked
Your hearing affects how you connect with the world. Having regular screenings once you reach the age of 50 can assist in maintaining your mental focus, social connections, and autonomy. Additionally, scheduling these appointments is a straightforward way to monitor your health.
Need help getting started? Reach out to us now to schedule a comprehensive hearing assessment. Hearing specialists are available to help you in preserving your hearing health and providing support, whether you have observed any changes or simply want reassurance.
