As we get older, we have a tendency to keep a close eye on our health, regular exams, blood pressure checks, and eye exams. But one vital area commonly gets neglected: our hearing!
Hearing loss is more common than many individuals realize, and it can creep in gradually, particularly after age 50. The positive side 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 issue that is often undetected
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 parts of conversations, especially in loud places, or feeling as if people are mumbling more often.
In fact, 1 in 3 people over age 65 has hearing loss, and around 28% over 52 have difficulty with day-to-day tasks as a result. The main issue stems from the fact that hearing loss tends to advance slowly, leading people to frequently underestimate the extent of their impairment until it starts to impact their social connections, job performance, or emotional well being.
Why hearing tests after age 50 make a difference
Much like getting a yearly check-up or eye examination, undergoing a hearing evaluation can help protect your health. Let’s explore the significance of these evaluations:
Early diagnosis means early action
The earlier hearing loss is recognized, the easier it is to deal with. Routine screenings allow audiologists to track changes over time and recommend solutions before the issue becomes more advanced.
The health of your hearing is connected to the health of your brain
Research has revealed a link between unaddressed hearing loss and an increased likelihood of experiencing a decline in cognitive function and developing dementia.
That’s because the brain struggles to “fill in the gaps” when hearing is impaired, which can lead to mental exhaustion and decreased cognitive function over time.
Improved communication leads to more solid connections
Frustration, social seclusion, and depression could result from hearing loss. Struggling to hear or misinterpreting others on a regular basis can have an unfavorable impact on both your personal and professional relationships. Addressing hearing problems helps preserve 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 balance and spatial awareness. Hearing loss has been connected to an increased danger of falls, specifically in older people.
What to expect while having a hearing test
A hearing test is simple, painless, and usually takes less than an hour. You’ll meet with an audiologist who will:
- Discuss any symptoms or worries
- Make use of headphones to assess your auditory perception of various frequencies
- Sometimes conduct speech recognition tests or other evaluations
If hearing loss is identified, you’ll explore potential strategies, such as using hearing aids, using assistive listening devices, or making changes to your day-to-day habits to enhance your total auditory health.
How frequently should you get a hearing test?
Experts suggest a baseline hearing exam at age 50, followed by yearly or biannual appointments, particularly if you:
- Discover some amount of hearing decline
- Have a family 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 wait to have your hearing checked
How you engage with the world is determined by your ability to hear. Getting regular assessments once you reach the age of 50 can assist in maintaining your mental acuity, social connections, and autonomy. Furthermore, scheduling these appointments is a straightforward way to monitor your health.
Not certain where to begin? 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 observed any changes or simply seek reassurance.