As we age, we have a tendency to keep a close watch on our health, routine exams, blood pressure checks, and eye exams. Our hearing is a crucial element that is frequently overlooked.
Many individuals are not aware of the prevalence of hearing loss, which frequently advances slowly, specifically as individuals reach the age of 50 and older. The silver lining is that routine hearing assessments are swift, non-invasive, and can have a profoundly positive impact on both your physical well-being and daily life.
Hearing loss: a prevalent (and often silent) problem
Hearing loss doesn’t always look like turning the volume all the way up or asking people to repeat themselves. It can be subtle at first, like missing parts of conversations, particularly in loud places, or feeling like people are mumbling more often.
As a matter of fact, 1 in 3 people over age 65 has hearing loss, and around 28% over 52 have trouble with daily tasks as a result. The primary problem derives from the fact that hearing loss tends to advance gradually, leading individuals to frequently underestimate the degree of their impairment until it begins to affect their social relationships, work performance, or emotional well being.
Why hearing exams after age 50 make a difference
Much like getting a yearly check-up or eye exam, undergoing a hearing assessment can help protect your health. Let’s discover the importance of these evaluations:
Early detection means early action
The earlier hearing loss is recognized, the easier it is to manage. Regular screenings allow audiologists to record changes over time and suggest solutions before the issue becomes more advanced.
The health of your hearing is linked to the health of your brain
Studies have shown that neglected hearing loss is associated with an increased danger of mental decline and dementia.
When hearing is compromised, the brain expends more effort to make up for the missing information, resulting in increased mental fatigue and a decline in cognitive abilities over time.
Better communication, better relationships
Hearing loss can lead to frustration, social solitude, and even depression. When you’re continuously straining to hear or misunderstanding others, it can have a negative affect on your personal and professional life. Addressing hearing issues helps preserve meaningful 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. Hearing loss has been linked to an increased danger of falls, especially in older adults.
What is a hearing test like?
A hearing exam is basic, painless, and typically takes under an hour. You’ll meet with an audiologist who will:
- Go over any symptoms or worries
- Make use of headphones to assess your auditory perception of various frequencies
- Possibly perform speech recognition tests or other evaluations
If hearing loss is detected, you’ll explore potential solutions, including wearing hearing aids, using assistive listening devices, or making changes to your day-to-day habits to improve your overall auditory health.
How frequently should you get a hearing exam?
Hearing specialists advise having an initial hearing test at 50 years old, then having routine checkups every year or every other year, especially if you:
- Discover some amount of hearing decline
- Have a family history of hearing loss
- Are exposed to loud sounds on the job or in past workplaces
- You are a current hearing aid user
Take control of your hearing health now
How you interact with the world is determined by your ability to hear. Regular screenings after 50 can help you stay sharp, social, and independent– and they’re one of the easiest health checks you can schedule.
Need help getting started? Reach out to us now to schedule a comprehensive hearing assessment. 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!