With age, we often become more vigilant about our well-being, scheduling regular medical appointments, monitoring our vital signs, and having routine assessments to stay on top of our physical health. But one crucial area commonly gets neglected: our hearing!
Hearing loss is more common than many people recognize, and it can sneak in slowly, especially after age 50. 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 common problem that is often unnoticed
Not all instances of hearing loss are as easily noticeable as continuously adjusting the volume or frequently asking others to speak louder. At the outset, the indications may be faint, materializing as difficulties following discussions, particularly in loud settings, or a growing sense that people are talking illegibly.
In fact, 1 in 3 people over age 65 has hearing loss, and about 28% over 52 have trouble with daily activities because of this. The problem? Because hearing loss progresses slowly, most individuals don’t realize how much they’re missing until it starts affecting their relationships, work, or mental health.
The importance of regular hearing checks for adults over 50
Much like getting a yearly check-up or eye exam, having a hearing assessment can help safeguard your health. Let’s discover the significance of these assessments:
Early detection means early action
The sooner hearing loss is caught, the easier it is to manage. Regular screenings allow audiologists to track changes over time and suggest solutions before the issue becomes more advanced.
Hearing health is connected to brain health
Research has revealed a link between unaddressed hearing loss and an increased probability of experiencing a decline in cognitive function and developing dementia.
That’s because the brain works harder to “fill in the blanks” when hearing is impaired, which can result in mental exhaustion and decreased cognitive function over time.
Better communication, stronger relationships
Hearing loss can cause aggravation, social solitude, and even depression. When you’re constantly straining to hear or misinterpreting others, it can have a negative affect on your personal and professional life. Managing hearing issues helps maintain meaningful connections.
Hearing affects balance and safety
In addition to helping in your ability to hear, your ears also contribute to maintaining your balance and spatial orientation. Older people are at a higher danger of falling when they experience hearing loss.
What to expect during a hearing exam
A hearing exam is basic, painless, and typically takes under an hour. You’ll meet with an audiologist who will:
- Go over any symptoms or concerns
- Utilize headphones to evaluate your auditory perception of various frequencies
- Sometimes conduct speech recognition tests or other assessments
If hearing impairment is identified, you’ll explore potential solutions, such as wearing hearing aids, using assistive listening devices, or making changes to your daily habits to improve your total auditory health.
How frequently should you get a hearing exam?
Hearing specialists advise having an initial hearing evaluation at 50 years old, then having routine exams every year or every other year, particularly if you:
- Notice changes in your hearing
- Have a family background linked 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 engage with the world is influenced by your ability to hear. Regular assessments after 50 can help you stay sharp, social, and independent– and they’re one of the easiest health checks you can schedule.
Not certain where to begin? Contact us today to book a hearing assessment. Hearing specialists are available to help you in preserving your hearing health and providing support, whether you have noticed any changes or simply seek reassurance.