With age, we often become more cautious about our health, scheduling routine medical appointments, monitoring our vital signs, and having routine screenings to stay on top of our physical wellness. Our hearing is a crucial element that is frequently overlooked.
Many people are not aware of the prevalence of hearing loss, which frequently develops gradually, particularly as individuals reach the age of 50 and older. The positive side is that regular hearing evaluations are swift, non-invasive, and can have a profoundly positive effect on both your physical well-being and daily life.
Hearing loss: a prevalent (and often silent) issue
Hearing loss doesn’t always look like cranking the volume all the way up or asking people to repeat themselves. It can be subtle at first, like missing out on parts of conversations, particularly in noisy places, or feeling like people are mumbling more often.
Roughly one-third of people aged 65 and older cope with hearing loss, while almost 28% of those over 52 encounter difficulties in their everyday activities due to this problem. The issue? Because hearing loss progresses slowly, most individuals don’t realize how much they’re missing until it starts affecting their relationships, work, or mental well-being.
The significance of routine hearing checks for adults over 50
Exactly like a yearly physical or vision screening, a hearing exam is a proactive way to protect your health. Here’s why they make a difference:
Early diagnosis means early response
The sooner hearing loss is caught, the easier it is to deal with. Regular assessments allow audiologists to track changes over time and recommend solutions before the issue becomes more advanced.
Hearing health is connected to brain health
Research has uncovered a connection between unaddressed hearing loss and an increased likelihood 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, leading to increased mental fatigue and a decline in mental abilities over time.
Strengthened communication results in more solid relationships
Frustration, social isolation, and depression may result from hearing loss. When you’re continuously struggling to hear or misinterpreting others, it can have a negative affect on your personal and professional life. Managing hearing problems 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. Older adults are at a higher risk of falling when they are coping with hearing loss.
What is a hearing test like?
A hearing exam is simple, 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 assess your auditory perception of a variety of frequencies
- Carry out tests like speech recognition
If hearing loss is identified, you’ll go over 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 having an initial hearing evaluation at 50 years old, then having regular exams every year or every other year, especially if you:
- Discover some amount of hearing decline
- Have a family background connected to hearing problems
- Work or have worked in loud settings
- You are a current hearing aid user
Don’t wait to get your hearing checked
How you engage with the world is influenced by your ability to hear. Having routine screenings once you reach the age of 50 can assist in maintaining your mental focus, social connections, and autonomy. Additionally, scheduling these appointments is a straightforward way to monitor your health.
Need assistance getting started? Contact us today to book a hearing assessment. 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.