As we age, we tend to keep a close eye on our health, regular exams, blood pressure tests, and eye tests. Our hearing is a critical aspect that is often neglected.
Many people are not aware of the pervasiveness of hearing loss, which frequently advances slowly, particularly as people reach the age of 50 and older. The good news? Routine hearing tests are fast, painless, and can make a significant difference in your overall well being and quality of life!
Hearing impairment: a prevalent problem that is often unnoticed
Hearing loss doesn’t always look like turning the volume all the way up or asking people to repeat what they said. At the outset, the signs might be faint, materializing as difficulties following discussions, particularly in noisy environments, or a progressing feeling that others are talking illegibly.
Approximately one-third of individuals aged 65 and older experience hearing loss, while almost 28% of those over 52 encounter troubles in their everyday activities due to this problem. The primary problem stems from the fact that hearing loss tends to progress slowly, leading people to frequently undervalue the degree of their impairment until it begins to affect their social connections, job performance, or emotional health.
The significance of routine hearing tests for adults over 50
Exactly like a yearly physical or vision assessment, a hearing test is a proactive way to safeguard your health. Here’s why they make a difference:
Identifying problems quickly results in taking immediate measures
It is easier to manage hearing loss when recognized early. Regular screenings enable audiologists to monitor changes and recommend interventions before the issue advances further.
Hearing health is connected to brain health
Research has revealed that untreated hearing loss is linked to a higher danger of mental decline and dementia.
When hearing is compromised, the brain expends more effort to make up for the missing information, resulting in increased mental fatigue and a decline in cognitive abilities over time.
Improved communication results in more solid connections
Hearing loss can cause aggravation, social withdrawal, and even depression. Straining to hear or misinterpreting others on a routine basis can have an unfavorable effect on both your personal and professional relationships. Improving hearing can help preserve significant relationships.
Hearing affects balance and safety
Your ears do more than help you hear– they also play a role in your balance and spatial awareness. Hearing loss has been linked to an increased risk of falls, particularly in older people.
What is a hearing test like?
An audiological assessment is a fast and relaxed process that normally lasts less than 60 minutes. You will meet with a hearing specialist who will:
- Share your concerns and symptoms
- Use headphones to test how well you hear various tones and pitches
- Possibly conduct speech recognition tests or other evaluations
If hearing impairment is detected, you’ll explore potential strategies, including wearing hearing aids, using assistive listening devices, or making adjustments to your daily habits to enhance your total auditory health.
How frequently should you have a hearing evaluation?
Hearing specialists suggest having an initial hearing test 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 connected to hearing problems
- Work or have worked in noisy settings
- Already use hearing aids
Don’t wait to get your hearing checked
How you engage with the world is determined by your ability to hear. Regular assessments after 50 can help you remain sharp, socially active, and independent– and they’re one of the easiest health checks you can get.
Not sure where to begin? Contact us today to book a hearing evaluation. Hearing specialists are available to assist you in maintaining your hearing health and providing support, whether you have observed any changes or simply want reassurance.