As we grow older, we tend to keep a close eye on our health, regular exams, blood pressure tests, and eye exams. But one essential area often gets neglected: our hearing!
Many individuals are unaware of the prevalence of hearing loss, which frequently develops slowly, particularly as individuals reach the age of 50 and older. The good news? Routine hearing tests are fast, painless, and can make a significant difference in your general health and quality of life!
Hearing loss: a prevalent (and often silent) problem
Hearing loss doesn’t always look like cranking the volume all the way up or asking people to repeat what they said. At the outset, the indications might be faint, materializing as difficulties following discussions, particularly in loud environments, or a growing sense that people are talking illegibly.
Roughly one-third of individuals aged 65 and older experience hearing impairment, while almost 28% of those over 52 encounter difficulties in their everyday activities due to this problem. The primary problem derives from the fact that hearing loss tends to advance gradually, leading people to frequently underestimate the extent of their impairment until it begins to affect their social relationships, job performance, or emotional health.
The importance of regular hearing checks for people over 50
Similar to getting a yearly check-up or eye examination, undergoing a hearing evaluation can help safeguard your well-being. Let’s discover the significance of these assessments:
Detecting problems quickly leads to taking immediate steps
The sooner hearing loss is caught, the easier it is to manage. Routine assessments allow audiologists to record changes over time and suggest solutions before the problem becomes more advanced.
The health of your hearing is linked to the health of your brain
Research has revealed that neglected hearing loss is linked to an increased danger of mental decline and dementia.
That’s because the brain struggles to “fill in the blanks” when hearing is impaired, which can result in mental fatigue and reduced cognitive function over time.
Strengthened communication results in more solid relationships
Frustration, social isolation, and depression may result from hearing impairment. When you’re constantly struggling to hear or misunderstanding others, it can take a toll on your personal and professional life. Managing hearing issues helps maintain meaningful relationships.
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. Older people are at a higher risk of falling when they are coping with hearing loss.
What to expect while having a hearing test
A hearing test is simple, painless, and typically takes less than an hour. You’ll meet with an audiologist who will:
- Go over any symptoms or worries
- Use headphones to assess how well you hear various tones and pitches
- Sometimes perform speech recognition tests or other assessments
If hearing impairment is identified, you’ll explore potential solutions, including using hearing aids, utilizing assistive listening devices, or making changes to your day-to-day habits to improve your overall auditory health.
How frequently should you have a hearing assessment?
Hearing specialists advise getting an initial hearing evaluation at 50 years old, then having regular checkups every year or every other year, especially if you:
- Discover some amount of hearing decline
- Have a family history of hearing loss
- Work or have worked in noisy settings
- Already wear hearing aids
Don’t wait to get your hearing checked
Your hearing affects how you communicate with the world. Having 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.
Need help getting started? Contact us today to book a hearing assessment. Hearing specialists are available to assist you in preserving your hearing health and providing support, whether you have noticed any changes or simply want reassurance.