With age, we often become more cautious about our health, scheduling regular medical appointments, keeping an eye on our vital signs, and having regular assessments to stay on top of our physical wellness. Our hearing is a crucial element that is often neglected.
Many people are not aware of the prevalence of hearing loss, which often develops slowly, especially as people reach the age of 50 and older. The silver lining is that routine hearing evaluations are swift, non-invasive, and can have a profoundly positive impact on both your physical well-being and daily life.
Hearing loss: a common (and often silent) problem
Hearing loss doesn’t always appear like turning the volume all the way up or asking people to repeat what they said. It can be subtle initially, like missing out on parts of conversations, especially in noisy places, or feeling like people are mumbling more frequently.
In fact, 1 in 3 people over age 65 has hearing loss, and around 28% over 52 have trouble with day-to-day activities because of this. The problem? Because hearing loss advances slowly, most individuals don’t realize how much they’re missing until it begins affecting their relationships, work, or mental well-being.
Why hearing exams after age 50 make a difference
Similar to getting a yearly check-up or eye exam, having a hearing evaluation can help safeguard your well-being. Let’s discover the importance of these assessments:
Identifying problems quickly leads to taking immediate measures
The sooner hearing loss is recognized, the easier it is to deal with. Routine assessments allow audiologists to record changes over time and suggest solutions before the problem 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.
That’s because the brain struggles to “fill in the blanks” when hearing is impaired, which can lead to mental fatigue and reduced mental function over time.
Better communication, better relationships
Frustration, social isolation, and depression may result from hearing impairment. Straining to hear or misinterpreting others on a regular basis can have a negative impact on both your personal and professional relationships. 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 orientation. Hearing loss has been linked to an increased risk of falls, particularly in older people.
What to expect during a hearing exam
A hearing exam is basic, painless, and typically takes under an hour. You’ll consult with an audiologist who will:
- Share your worries and symptoms
- Make use of headphones to evaluate your auditory perception of a variety of frequencies
- Sometimes conduct speech recognition tests or other evaluations
If hearing loss is identified, you’ll explore potential solutions, such as using hearing aids, utilizing assistive listening devices, or making adjustments to your day-to-day habits to enhance your total auditory well-being.
How frequently should you get a hearing test?
Hearing specialists suggest getting an initial hearing evaluation at 50 years old, then having regular checkups every year or every other year, especially if you:
- Detect changes in your hearing
- 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
Your hearing affects how you connect with the world. Getting regular screenings once you reach the age of 50 can assist in maintaining your mental focus, social connections, and autonomy. Furthermore, scheduling these appointments is a simple way to monitor your health.
Not certain where to begin? Reach out to us now to schedule a comprehensive hearing test. 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.
