With age, we often become more cautious about our health, scheduling regular medical appointments, keeping an eye on our vital signs, and having routine assessments to stay on top of our physical wellness. But one crucial area often gets overlooked: our hearing!
Hearing loss is more common than many people realize, and it can creep in slowly, particularly after age 50. The good news? Routine hearing tests are fast, painless, and can make a significant difference in your general well being and quality of life!
Hearing loss: a common problem that is often undetected
Not all cases of hearing loss are as easily detectable as continuously adjusting the volume or frequently requesting people to talk louder. At the outset, the signs may be faint, manifesting as difficulties following discussions, particularly in loud environments, or a growing feeling that people are talking illegibly.
In fact, 1 in 3 people over age 65 has hearing loss, and about 28% over 52 have difficulty with daily tasks as a result. The main problem derives from the fact that hearing loss tends to advance gradually, leading people to frequently underestimate the extent of their impairment until it starts to impact their social connections, work performance, or emotional health.
The significance of regular hearing checks for adults over 50
Exactly like a yearly physical or vision screening, a hearing exam is a proactive way to protect your health. Here’s why they matter:
Detecting issues promptly leads to taking immediate steps
The sooner hearing loss is caught, the easier it is to deal with. Regular assessments allow audiologists to record changes over time and recommend solutions before the issue becomes more advanced.
Hearing health is connected to brain health
Studies have revealed that untreated hearing loss is associated with an increased danger of cognitive decline and dementia.
When hearing is jeopardized, the brain expends more effort to compensate for the missing information, resulting in increased mental fatigue and a decline in mental abilities over time.
Improved communication leads to more solid connections
Frustration, social isolation, and depression may result from hearing impairment. When you’re constantly straining to hear or misunderstanding 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 adults are at a higher danger of falling when they experience hearing loss.
What is a hearing test like?
An audiological assessment is a fast and comfortable process that normally lasts under an hour. You will meet with a hearing specialist who will:
- Discuss any symptoms or concerns
- Use headphones to test how well you hear various tones and pitches
- Carry out tests like speech recognition
If hearing impairment is identified, 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 often should you get a hearing test?
Experts recommend a baseline hearing exam at age 50, followed by yearly or biannual checkups, especially if you:
- Discover some amount of hearing decline
- Have a genetic history of hearing loss
- Work or have worked in loud environments
- Already use hearing aids
Take control of your hearing health now
Your hearing impacts how you connect with the world. Having regular screenings once you reach the age of 50 can assist in maintaining your mental acuity, social connections, and autonomy. Additionally, scheduling these appointments is a simple way to monitor your health.
Need assistance getting started? Reach out to us now to schedule a comprehensive hearing test. Whether you’ve observed changes or just want peace of mind, hearing specialists are here to support your hearing– and your health– every step of the way!