With age, we typically become more cautious about our health, scheduling regular medical appointments, keeping an eye on our vital signs, and undergoing routine assessments to stay on top of our physical health. But one vital area often gets neglected: our hearing!
Many people are unaware of the pervasiveness of hearing loss, which frequently advances gradually, particularly as people reach the age of 50 and older. The good news? Routine hearing tests are fast, painless, and can make a huge difference in your overall health and quality of life!
Hearing loss: a prevalent (and often silent) problem
Not all instances of hearing loss are as easily detectable as constantly adjusting the volume or regularly requesting people to speak louder. At the outset, the indications may be faint, manifesting as difficulties following conversations, particularly in noisy settings, or a growing sense that others are talking illegibly.
In fact, 1 in 3 people over age 65 are experiencing hearing loss, and around 28% over 52 have difficulty with daily tasks because of this. The main issue stems from the fact that hearing loss tends to advance gradually, leading people to frequently undervalue the degree of their impairment until it starts to affect their social connections, work performance, or emotional health.
Why hearing tests after age 50 make a difference
Similar to getting a yearly check-up or eye examination, undergoing a hearing evaluation can help protect your health. Let’s explore the importance of these evaluations:
Detecting issues quickly results in taking immediate measures
The sooner hearing loss is caught, the easier it is to deal with. Regular assessments allow audiologists to record changes over time and recommend solutions before the issue becomes more advanced.
The health of your hearing is connected to the health of your brain
Research has uncovered a connection between unaddressed hearing loss and an increased probability of experiencing a decline in cognitive function and developing dementia.
When hearing is compromised, the brain uses more effort to make up for the missing information, leading to increased mental fatigue and a decline in cognitive abilities over time.
Strengthened communication results in more solid connections
Hearing loss can lead to aggravation, social solitude, and even depression. Struggling to hear or misunderstanding others on a regular basis can have an unfavorable impact on both your personal and professional relationships. Managing hearing issues helps maintain meaningful relationships.
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. Hearing loss has been connected to an increased danger of falls, specifically in older people.
What to expect during a hearing test
A hearing test is simple, painless, and usually takes less than an hour. You’ll meet with an audiologist who will:
- Share your worries and symptoms
- Make use of headphones to assess your auditory perception of a variety of frequencies
- Possibly conduct speech recognition tests or other assessments
If hearing loss is detected, you’ll explore potential strategies, including wearing hearing aids, using assistive listening devices, or making changes to your daily habits to enhance your overall auditory well-being.
How frequently should you have a hearing assessment?
Hearing specialists advise getting an initial hearing test at 50 years old, then having regular checkups every year or every other year, especially if you:
- Discover some amount of hearing decline
- Have a genetic history of hearing loss
- Are exposed to loud noises on the job or in past workplaces
- You are a current hearing aid user
Don’t hesitate to have your hearing examined
How you interact with the world is determined by your ability to hear. Having regular screenings once you reach the age of 50 can assist in maintaining your mental acuity, social relationships, and autonomy. Additionally, scheduling these appointments is a straightforward way to monitor your health.
Need help getting started? Contact us today to book a hearing assessment. 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!