As we grow older, we tend to keep a close watch on our health, routine checkups, blood pressure tests, and eye exams. Our hearing is a crucial aspect that is often overlooked.
Many people are unaware of the pervasiveness of hearing loss, which often advances gradually, specifically as people reach the age of 50 and older. The good news? Routine hearing tests are quick, pain-free, and can make a huge difference in your overall well being and quality of life!
Hearing loss: a prevalent (and often quiet) problem
Not all cases of hearing loss are as easily noticeable as continuously raising the volume or regularly asking others to talk louder. At the outset, the indications might be tenuous, materializing as difficulties following discussions, particularly in noisy settings, or a growing sense that others are talking indistinctly.
Roughly one-third of people aged 65 and older cope with hearing impairment, while nearly 28% of those over 52 encounter troubles in their daily tasks due to this problem. The primary problem stems from the fact that hearing loss tends to progress slowly, leading individuals to frequently underestimate the degree of their impairment until it begins to impact their social relationships, 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, having a hearing evaluation can help safeguard your well-being. Let’s discover the significance of these evaluations:
Identifying problems promptly leads to taking immediate measures
The earlier hearing loss is caught, the easier it is to deal with. Routine screenings allow audiologists to record changes over time and suggest solutions before the problem becomes more advanced.
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, resulting in increased mental fatigue and a decline in mental abilities over time.
Strengthened communication leads to more solid connections
Frustration, social seclusion, and depression could result from hearing loss. When you’re constantly straining to hear or misinterpreting others, it can take a toll on your personal and professional life. Managing hearing issues helps preserve meaningful connections.
Balance and safety can be impacted by hearing
In addition to assisting in your ability to hear, your ears also contribute to maintaining your balance and spatial orientation. Hearing loss has been linked to an increased risk of falls, specifically in older adults.
What is a hearing test like?
An audiological assessment is a quick and comfortable process that usually lasts under 60 minutes. You will consult with a hearing specialist who will:
- Go over any symptoms or worries
- Make use of headphones to evaluate your auditory perception of a variety of frequencies
- 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 well-being.
How frequently should you get a hearing exam?
Experts recommend a baseline hearing exam at age 50, followed by annual or biannual appointments, particularly if you:
- Detect changes in your hearing
- Have a family history of hearing loss
- Are exposed to loud sounds on the job or in past workplaces
- Already wear hearing aids
Take control of your hearing health today
Your hearing affects how you communicate with the world. Routine assessments after 50 can help you stay sharp, socially active, and independent– and they’re one of the easiest health checks you can get.
Not certain where to start? Contact us today to book a hearing evaluation. Hearing specialists are available to assist you in preserving your hearing health and providing support, whether you have noticed any changes or simply seek reassurance.