With age, we typically become more vigilant about our health, going to regular medical appointments, monitoring our vital signs, and undergoing routine screenings to stay on top of our physical wellness. Our hearing is a crucial aspect that is frequently neglected.
Hearing loss is more prevalent than many individuals recognize, and it can creep in gradually, especially after age 50. The positive side is that regular hearing assessments are swift, non-invasive, and can have a profoundly positive impact on both your physical well-being and day-to-day life.
Hearing loss: a prevalent (and often quiet) issue
Not all instances of hearing loss are as easily detectable as continuously raising the volume or regularly requesting people to speak louder. It can be subtle initially, like missing out on parts of conversations, especially in loud places, or feeling as if people are mumbling more often.
Roughly one-third of individuals aged 65 and older experience hearing loss, while nearly 28% of those over 52 encounter difficulties in their everyday activities due to this issue. The issue? Because hearing loss progresses slowly, most people don’t realize how much they’re missing until it starts affecting their relationships, work, or mental health.
The importance of routine hearing tests for adults over 50
Just like an annual physical or vision screening, a hearing exam is a proactive way to safeguard your health. Here’s why they make a difference:
Identifying problems quickly results in taking immediate measures
It is easier to manage hearing loss when recognized early. Regular screenings enable audiologists to monitor changes and recommend treatments before the problem progresses further.
The health of your hearing is linked to the health of your brain
Research has uncovered a connection between unaddressed hearing loss and an increased likelihood of experiencing a decline in mental function and developing dementia.
That’s because the brain struggles to “fill in the blanks” when hearing is impaired, which can result in mental exhaustion and reduced cognitive function over time.
Better communication, stronger relationships
Hearing loss can lead to frustration, social withdrawal, and even depression. Struggling to hear or misinterpreting others on a regular basis can have an unfavorable impact on both your personal and professional relationships. Enhancing hearing can help maintain significant relationships.
Balance and safety can be impacted by hearing
Your ears do more than help you hear– they also play a role in your balance and spatial awareness. Hearing loss has been linked to an increased risk of falls, especially in older people.
What to expect during a hearing exam
An audiological assessment is a quick and comfortable process that typically lasts less than an hour. You will meet with a hearing specialist who will:
- Discuss any symptoms or concerns
- Make use of headphones to evaluate your auditory perception of a variety of frequencies
- Perform tests like speech recognition
If hearing loss is identified, you’ll explore potential solutions, such as wearing hearing aids, using assistive listening devices, or making changes to your day-to-day habits to enhance your overall auditory health.
How often should you get a hearing exam?
Hearing specialists advise having an initial hearing test at 50 years old, then having routine exams every year or every other year, especially if you:
- Discover some amount of hearing decline
- Have a family background connected to hearing issues
- Are exposed to loud noises on the job or in past workplaces
- Already wear hearing aids
Don’t hesitate to get your hearing checked
How you engage with the world is determined by your ability to hear. Regular screenings after 50 can help you stay sharp, socially active, 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 complete hearing test. Whether you’ve observed changes or just want peace of mind, hearing specialists are here to support your hearing– and your health– every step of the way!