With age, we typically become more vigilant about our health, scheduling routine medical appointments, keeping an eye on our vital signs, and undergoing routine screenings to stay on top of our physical health. But one essential area often gets neglected: our hearing!
Hearing loss is more prevalent than many people recognize, and it can sneak in slowly, especially after age 50. The good news? Regular hearing exams are quick, painless, and can make a significant difference in your general health and quality of life!
Hearing loss: a common (and often quiet) issue
Hearing loss doesn’t always look like turning the volume all the way up or asking people to repeat themselves. It can be subtle initially, like missing out on parts of conversations, particularly in loud places, or feeling as if people are mumbling more often.
Approximately one-third of individuals aged 65 and older experience hearing loss, while nearly 28% of those over 52 encounter troubles in their daily tasks as a result of this problem. The main problem stems from the fact that hearing loss tends to progress slowly, leading people to frequently undervalue the extent of their impairment until it starts to affect their social relationships, job performance, or emotional well being.
The significance of routine hearing checks for adults over 50
Just like a yearly physical or vision screening, a hearing exam is a proactive way to safeguard your health. Here’s why they make a difference:
Early diagnosis means early response
It is easier to deal with hearing loss when detected early. Routine screenings allow audiologists to keep track of changes and recommend interventions before the issue advances further.
Hearing health is linked to brain health
Studies have shown that neglected hearing loss is associated with an increased danger of mental decline and dementia.
When hearing is jeopardized, the brain expends more effort to compensate for the missing information, resulting in increased mental exhaustion and a decline in mental abilities over time.
Better communication, better relationships
Frustration, social isolation, and depression could result from hearing impairment. When you’re continuously struggling to hear or misunderstanding others, it can have a negative affect on your personal and professional life. Improving hearing can help preserve significant relationships.
Balance and safety can be impacted by hearing
In addition to aiding in your ability to hear, your ears also support maintaining your balance and spatial alignment. Older adults are at a higher risk of falling when they are coping with hearing loss.
What is a hearing test like?
An audiological evaluation is a quick and relaxed process that normally takes less than an hour. You will consult with a hearing specialist who will:
- Discuss any symptoms or worries
- Make use of headphones to assess your auditory perception of various frequencies
- Sometimes perform speech recognition tests or other evaluations
If hearing loss is detected, you’ll discuss options, which may include hearing aids, assistive devices, or lifestyle changes to improve your hearing health.
How frequently should you have a hearing evaluation?
Hearing specialists advise getting an initial hearing evaluation at 50 years old, then having regular checkups every year or every other year, especially if you:
- Notice changes in your hearing
- Have a family background linked to hearing issues
- Work or have worked in loud environments
- You are a current hearing aid user
Don’t hesitate to get your hearing checked
How you interact with the world is influenced by your ability to hear. Getting routine screenings once you reach the age of 50 can assist in maintaining your mental acuity, social connections, and autonomy. Furthermore, scheduling these appointments is a straightforward way to monitor your health.
Need help getting started? Contact us today to book a 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!