As we grow older, we tend to keep a close eye on our health, regular checkups, blood pressure checks, and eye exams. Our hearing is a crucial element that is frequently neglected.
Many individuals are not aware of the pervasiveness of hearing loss, which often develops slowly, particularly as people reach the age of 50 and older. The silver lining is that regular hearing assessments are swift, non-invasive, and can have a profoundly positive effect on both your physical well-being and daily life.
Hearing loss: a common issue that is often unnoticed
Not all instances of hearing loss are as easily noticeable as continuously raising the volume or regularly requesting others to talk louder. At the outset, the signs may be faint, materializing as difficulties following discussions, especially in loud environments, or a growing sense that others are talking indistinctly.
Approximately one-third of people aged 65 and older experience hearing impairment, while nearly 28% of those over 52 encounter difficulties in their everyday activities due to this issue. The problem? Because hearing loss develops slowly, most individuals don’t realize how much they’re missing until it begins impacting their relationships, work, or mental well-being.
The significance of regular hearing checks for people over 50
Just like a yearly physical or vision screening, a hearing exam is a proactive way to protect your health. Here’s why they matter:
Identifying issues promptly results in taking immediate steps
It is easier to manage hearing loss when recognized early. Routine screenings allow audiologists to monitor changes and suggest treatments before the problem progresses further.
The health of your hearing is linked to the health of your brain
Research has uncovered a link between unaddressed hearing loss and an increased probability of experiencing a decline in mental function and developing dementia.
When hearing is jeopardized, the brain uses more effort to make up for the missing information, resulting in increased mental fatigue and a decline in cognitive abilities over time.
Better communication, stronger relationships
Frustration, social seclusion, and depression may result from hearing impairment. Straining to hear or misinterpreting others on a routine basis can have a negative effect on both your personal and professional relationships. 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 people are at a higher danger of falling when they experience hearing loss.
What is a hearing test like?
A hearing exam is basic, painless, and typically takes less than an hour. You’ll consult with an audiologist who will:
- Discuss any symptoms or worries
- Use headphones to test how well you hear various tones and pitches
- Carry out tests like speech recognition
If hearing loss is identified, you’ll explore potential solutions, including wearing hearing aids, using assistive listening devices, or making adjustments to your day-to-day habits to enhance your total auditory well-being.
How frequently should you have a hearing evaluation?
Experts suggest a baseline hearing test at age 50, followed by yearly or biannual appointments, especially if you:
- Notice changes in your hearing
- Have a family background connected to hearing issues
- Are exposed to loud sounds on the job or in past workplaces
- Already use hearing aids
Don’t wait to have your hearing examined
How you engage with the world is determined by your ability to hear. Having regular assessments once you reach the age of 50 can help in maintaining your mental acuity, social relationships, and autonomy. Furthermore, scheduling these appointments is a straightforward way to monitor your health.
Not sure where to start? Reach out to us now to schedule a complete hearing test. 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.
