As we age, we have a tendency to keep a close watch on our health, routine exams, blood pressure checks, and eye exams. Our hearing is a crucial element that is frequently overlooked.
Hearing loss is more common than many people recognize, and it can sneak in slowly, especially after age 50. The silver lining is that regular hearing assessments are swift, non-invasive, and can have a profoundly positive effect on both your physical well-being and daily life.
Hearing loss: a common (and often quiet) issue
Hearing loss doesn’t always appear 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, particularly in noisy places, or feeling as if people are mumbling more often.
In fact, 1 in 3 adults over age 65 has hearing loss, and about 28% over 52 have difficulty with day-to-day activities because of this. The main issue stems from the fact that hearing loss tends to progress gradually, leading people to frequently undervalue the extent of their impairment until it starts to affect their social relationships, job performance, or emotional well being.
The significance of regular hearing checks for adults over 50
Similar to getting a yearly check-up or eye examination, having a hearing assessment can help safeguard your health. Let’s explore the significance of these assessments:
Early diagnosis means early action
It is easier to manage hearing loss when detected early. Regular screenings allow audiologists to monitor changes and suggest interventions before the problem progresses further.
The health of your hearing is linked to the health of your brain
Research has uncovered a link 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, resulting in increased mental fatigue and a decline in cognitive abilities over time.
Improved communication results in more solid relationships
Hearing loss can lead to frustration, social solitude, and even depression. When you’re constantly straining to hear or misinterpreting others, it can have a negative affect on your personal and professional life. Enhancing hearing can help preserve important relationships.
Hearing affects balance and safety
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 danger of falling when they experience hearing loss.
What is a hearing test like?
A hearing exam is simple, painless, and usually takes under an hour. You’ll meet with an audiologist who will:
- Go over any symptoms or concerns
- Utilize headphones to evaluate your auditory perception of a variety of frequencies
- Possibly perform speech recognition tests or other evaluations
If hearing impairment is detected, you’ll explore potential strategies, such as wearing hearing aids, using assistive listening devices, or making adjustments to your daily habits to enhance your total auditory health.
How frequently should you get a hearing exam?
Experts recommend a baseline hearing test at age 50, followed by annual or biannual checkups, particularly if you:
- Detect some amount of hearing decline
- Have a family background linked to hearing problems
- Are exposed to loud sounds on the job or in past workplaces
- You are a current hearing aid user
Take control of your hearing health now
How you engage with the world is determined by your ability to hear. Routine assessments after 50 can help you remain sharp, socially active, and independent– and they’re one of the easiest health checks you can schedule.
Need assistance getting started? Contact us today to book a hearing assessment. Hearing specialists are available to help you in maintaining your hearing health and providing support, whether you have noticed any changes or simply seek reassurance.