With age, we often become more vigilant about our well-being, scheduling routine medical appointments, monitoring our vital signs, and having regular screenings to stay on top of our physical health. But one essential area often gets overlooked: our hearing!
Hearing loss is more common than many people recognize, and it can sneak in gradually, particularly after age 50. The good news? Regular hearing exams are fast, pain-free, and can make a huge difference in your overall health and quality of life!
Hearing loss: a prevalent issue that is often unnoticed
Not all cases of hearing loss are as easily noticeable as continuously adjusting the volume or frequently asking people to speak louder. At the outset, the signs might be faint, materializing as difficulties following discussions, especially in loud settings, or a growing sense that others are speaking indistinctly.
Roughly one-third of individuals aged 65 and older cope with hearing impairment, while nearly 28% of those over 52 encounter difficulties in their everyday tasks due to this issue. The problem? Because hearing loss progresses gradually, most individuals don’t realize how much they’re missing until it begins affecting their relationships, work, or mental health.
The importance of routine hearing checks for people over 50
Just like an annual physical or vision assessment, a hearing exam is a proactive way to protect your health. Here’s why they make a difference:
Detecting issues promptly results in taking immediate measures
It is easier to deal with hearing loss when recognized early. Routine screenings allow audiologists to keep track of changes and recommend interventions before the problem progresses further.
Hearing health is connected to brain health
Research has shown that untreated hearing loss is linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
That’s because the brain works harder to “fill in the gaps” when hearing is impaired, which can lead to mental exhaustion and reduced mental function over time.
Better communication, better relationships
Frustration, social isolation, and depression could result from hearing loss. When you’re continuously straining to hear or misinterpreting others, it can take a toll on your personal and professional life. Improving hearing can help maintain important relationships.
Balance and safety can be impacted by hearing
In addition to helping in your ability to hear, your ears also contribute to maintaining your balance and spatial alignment. Hearing loss has been connected to an increased danger of falls, specifically in older people.
What to expect during a hearing test
A hearing test is basic, painless, and typically takes under an hour. You’ll consult with an audiologist who will:
- Discuss any symptoms or concerns
- Make use of headphones to evaluate your auditory perception of various frequencies
- Sometimes conduct speech recognition tests or other assessments
If hearing loss is identified, you’ll discuss options, which may include hearing aids, assistive devices, or lifestyle adjustments to improve your hearing health.
How frequently should you get a hearing exam?
Hearing specialists advise getting an initial hearing test at 50 years old, then having regular exams every year or every other year, especially if you:
- Discover some amount of hearing decline
- Have a family background connected to hearing problems
- Are exposed to loud sounds on the job or in past workplaces
- Already wear hearing aids
Take control of your hearing health now
Your hearing impacts how you connect with the world. Routine screenings after 50 can help you remain sharp, social, and independent– and they’re one of the easiest health checks you can schedule.
Not certain where to begin? Contact us today to book a hearing evaluation. Whether you’ve noticed changes or just want peace of mind, hearing specialists are here to support your hearing– and your health– every step of the way!