With age, we often become more vigilant about our health, going to regular medical appointments, monitoring our vital signs, and having regular screenings to stay on top of our physical wellness. But one essential area commonly gets overlooked: our hearing!
Many individuals are not aware of the pervasiveness of hearing loss, which frequently develops slowly, particularly as people reach the age of 50 and older. The good news? Routine hearing tests are fast, pain-free, and can make a significant difference in your general well being and quality of life!
Hearing loss: a common (and often silent) problem
Not all instances of hearing loss are as easily detectable as continuously adjusting the volume or frequently requesting people to talk louder. It can be subtle at first, like missing out on parts of conversations, particularly in loud places, or feeling as if people are mumbling more often.
In fact, 1 in 3 adults over age 65 has hearing loss, and around 28% over 52 have difficulty with day-to-day activities because of this. The problem? Because hearing loss develops slowly, most people don’t realize how much they’re missing until it starts affecting their relationships, work, or mental health.
Why hearing exams after age 50 make a difference
Similar to getting a yearly check-up or eye exam, undergoing a hearing evaluation can help safeguard your well-being. Let’s discover the significance of these assessments:
Early diagnosis means early response
It is easier to deal with hearing loss when recognized early. Routine screenings enable audiologists to monitor changes and recommend treatments before the problem progresses further.
Hearing health is connected to brain health
Research has shown that untreated hearing loss is associated with an increased danger of mental 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
Hearing loss can lead to frustration, social solitude, and even depression. When you’re constantly straining to hear or misinterpreting others, it can have a negative affect on your personal and professional life. Managing hearing issues helps preserve meaningful connections.
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 orientation. Older adults are at a higher danger of falling when they experience hearing loss.
What is a hearing test like?
A hearing exam is simple, painless, and usually takes less than an hour. You’ll meet with an audiologist who will:
- Discuss any symptoms or worries
- Make use of headphones to assess your auditory perception of a variety of frequencies
- Carry out tests like speech recognition
If hearing loss is identified, you’ll explore potential strategies, including using hearing aids, utilizing assistive listening devices, or making changes to your daily habits to enhance your total auditory well-being.
How frequently should you have a hearing assessment?
Experts suggest a baseline hearing exam at age 50, followed by annual or biannual appointments, particularly if you:
- Detect changes in your hearing
- Have a family background linked to hearing problems
- Are exposed to loud noises on the job or in past workplaces
- Already use hearing aids
Don’t wait to have your hearing checked
How you engage with the world is determined by your ability to hear. Having routine 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 simple way to monitor your health.
Not sure where to start? Contact us today to book a hearing assessment. Hearing specialists are available to help you in preserving your hearing health and providing support, whether you have noticed any changes or simply want reassurance.