With age, we typically become more cautious about our health, scheduling regular medical appointments, monitoring our vital signs, and having regular screenings to stay on top of our physical health. But one crucial area commonly gets neglected: our hearing!
Many individuals are not aware of the pervasiveness of hearing loss, which often develops slowly, particularly as individuals reach the age of 50 and older. The positive side is that routine hearing assessments 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 quiet) issue
Hearing loss doesn’t always appear like turning the volume all the way up or asking people to repeat themselves. At the outset, the indications might be tenuous, materializing as difficulties following conversations, particularly in noisy environments, or a growing feeling that people are speaking indistinctly.
As a matter of fact, 1 in 3 people over age 65 are experiencing hearing loss, and around 28% over 52 have difficulty with day-to-day activities because of this. The problem? Because hearing loss advances gradually, most individuals don’t realize how much they’re missing until it starts impacting their relationships, work, or mental well-being.
Why hearing tests after age 50 make a difference
Much like getting a yearly check-up or eye exam, having a hearing assessment can help safeguard your well-being. 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 allow audiologists to monitor changes and recommend treatments before the problem advances further.
The health of your hearing is connected to the health of your brain
Studies have shown that neglected hearing loss is linked to a higher risk of mental decline and dementia.
When hearing is jeopardized, the brain expends more effort to compensate for the missing information, resulting in increased mental fatigue and a decline in cognitive abilities over time.
Strengthened communication leads to more solid relationships
Frustration, social seclusion, and depression could result from hearing impairment. Struggling to hear or misinterpreting others on a routine basis can have a negative impact on both your personal and professional relationships. Improving hearing can help maintain important relationships.
Hearing affects balance and safety
Your ears do more than help you hear– they also play a role in your equilibrium and spatial awareness. Hearing loss has been connected to an increased danger of falls, especially in older adults.
What to expect while having a hearing test
An audiological assessment is a quick and comfortable process that typically takes less than an hour. You will consult with a hearing specialist who will:
- Go over any symptoms or concerns
- 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 might include hearing aids, assistive devices, or lifestyle changes to improve your hearing health.
How often should you get a hearing test?
Hearing specialists advise getting an initial hearing test at 50 years old, then having routine checkups every year or every other year, particularly if you:
- Notice 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
Don’t wait to get your hearing examined
Your hearing impacts how you connect with the world. Regular screenings after 50 can help you remain sharp, social, and independent– and they’re one of the simplest health checks you can get.
Not certain where to start? Contact us today to book a hearing evaluation. 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!