As we get older, we tend to keep a close eye on our health, routine checkups, blood pressure checks, and eye tests. Our hearing is a crucial aspect that is frequently neglected.
Hearing loss is more common than many people recognize, and it can creep in slowly, especially after age 50. The positive side 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 impairment: a common problem that is frequently unnoticed
Hearing loss doesn’t always look like cranking the volume all the way up or asking people to repeat themselves. It can be subtle initially, like missing out on parts of conversations, especially in loud places, or feeling as if people are mumbling more frequently.
As a matter of fact, 1 in 3 people over age 65 has hearing loss, and about 28% over 52 have difficulty with daily tasks because of this. The issue? Because hearing loss advances slowly, most individuals don’t recognize how much they’re missing until it starts impacting their relationships, work, or mental health.
Why hearing tests after age 50 matter
Similar to getting a yearly check-up or eye exam, having a hearing evaluation can help protect your health. Let’s discover the importance of these assessments:
Detecting issues promptly results in taking immediate measures
It is easier to deal with hearing loss when recognized early. Routine screenings enable audiologists to keep track of changes and recommend interventions before the issue progresses further.
The health of your hearing is linked to the health of your brain
Studies have shown that neglected hearing loss is associated with a higher risk of mental decline and dementia.
When hearing is jeopardized, the brain expends more effort to compensate for the missing information, leading to increased mental fatigue and a decline in cognitive abilities over time.
Better communication, stronger relationships
Frustration, social isolation, and depression may result from hearing loss. Straining to hear or misunderstanding others on a routine basis can have an unfavorable effect 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 alignment. Hearing loss has been connected to an increased risk of falls, particularly in older people.
What to expect while having a hearing test
An audiological assessment is a quick and relaxed process that typically takes under an hour. You will consult with a hearing specialist who will:
- Go over any symptoms or worries
- Use headphones to test how well you hear different tones and pitches
- Sometimes conduct speech recognition tests or other evaluations
If hearing loss is detected, you’ll explore potential solutions, such as using hearing aids, utilizing assistive listening devices, or making adjustments to your daily habits to improve your total auditory well-being.
How frequently should you get a hearing test?
Hearing specialists suggest having an initial hearing test at 50 years old, then having routine exams every year or every other year, especially if you:
- Detect changes in your hearing
- Have a family background connected to hearing problems
- Are exposed to loud noises on the job or in past workplaces
- Already use hearing aids
Take control of your hearing health now
How you interact with the world is influenced 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 get.
Need help getting started? Reach out to us now to schedule a comprehensive hearing assessment. Hearing specialists are available to assist you in maintaining your hearing health and providing support, whether you have noticed any changes or simply want reassurance.
