As we age, we have a tendency to keep a close watch on our health, regular checkups, blood pressure checks, and eye exams. Our hearing is a crucial aspect that is often overlooked.
Hearing loss is more common than many individuals realize, and it can sneak in gradually, especially after age 50. The silver lining is that regular hearing evaluations are swift, non-invasive, and can have a profoundly positive effect on both your physical well-being and daily life.
Hearing loss: a prevalent (and often quiet) issue
Hearing loss doesn’t always look like turning the volume all the way up or asking people to repeat themselves. At the outset, the signs might be tenuous, materializing as difficulties following conversations, particularly in noisy settings, or a progressing sense that people are speaking indistinctly.
In fact, 1 in 3 adults over age 65 are experiencing hearing loss, and around 28% over 52 have difficulty with daily tasks as a result. The problem? Because hearing loss advances gradually, most individuals don’t realize how much they’re missing until it begins impacting their relationships, work, or mental health.
The significance of routine hearing checks for adults over 50
Similar to getting a yearly check-up or eye examination, undergoing a hearing evaluation can help protect your well-being. Let’s explore the importance of these assessments:
Early detection means early response
It is easier to deal with hearing loss when detected early. Regular screenings enable audiologists to keep track of changes and recommend interventions before the issue progresses further.
Hearing health is linked to brain health
Research has shown that neglected hearing loss is linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
When hearing is compromised, the brain uses more effort to make up for the missing information, resulting in increased mental fatigue and a decline in mental abilities over time.
Better communication, stronger relationships
Hearing loss can lead to frustration, social solitude, and even depression. Straining to hear or misinterpreting others on a routine basis can have an unfavorable impact on both your personal and professional relationships. Improving hearing can help preserve important relationships.
Balance and safety can be impacted by hearing
Your ears do more than help you hear– they also play a role in your equilibrium and spatial awareness. Older people are at a higher risk of falling when they experience hearing loss.
What to expect while having a hearing exam
An audiological assessment is a fast and relaxed process that usually lasts less than an hour. You will meet with a hearing specialist who will:
- Share your concerns and symptoms
- Utilize headphones to assess your auditory perception of various frequencies
- Sometimes conduct speech recognition tests or other assessments
If hearing loss is detected, you’ll go over options, which might include hearing aids, assistive devices, or lifestyle changes to improve your hearing health.
How often should you get a hearing exam?
Hearing specialists suggest having an initial hearing test at 50 years old, then having regular exams every year or every other year, especially if you:
- Detect some amount of hearing decline
- Have a genetic history of hearing loss
- Are exposed to loud sounds on the job or in past workplaces
- Already use hearing aids
Take control of your hearing health today
How you engage with the world is determined by your ability to hear. Regular screenings after 50 can help you remain sharp, socially active, and independent– and they’re one of the simplest health checks you can schedule.
Need help getting started? Reach out to us now to schedule a complete hearing assessment. Hearing specialists are available to help you in maintaining your hearing health and providing support, whether you have noticed any changes or simply want reassurance.