With age, we often become more cautious about our health, going to regular medical appointments, keeping an eye on our vital signs, and undergoing regular screenings to stay on top of our physical wellness. Our hearing is a critical aspect that is frequently neglected.
Many people are unaware of the pervasiveness of hearing loss, which often develops gradually, particularly as people reach the age of 50 and older. The good news? Routine hearing exams are quick, painless, and can make a significant difference in your general health and quality of life!
Hearing loss: 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 what they said. It can be subtle at first, like missing out on parts of conversations, especially in noisy places, or feeling like people are mumbling more often.
Approximately one-third of individuals aged 65 and older cope with hearing loss, while almost 28% of those over 52 encounter difficulties in their everyday activities due to this issue. The issue? Because hearing loss advances gradually, most individuals don’t realize how much they’re missing until it starts impacting their relationships, work, or mental health.
The significance of regular hearing checks for people over 50
Much like getting a yearly check-up or eye examination, undergoing a hearing assessment can help protect your health. Let’s discover the importance of these assessments:
Detecting issues quickly leads to taking immediate measures
The earlier hearing loss is recognized, the easier it is to manage. Routine assessments allow audiologists to track changes over time and suggest solutions before the problem becomes more advanced.
Hearing health is linked to brain health
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 expends more effort to compensate for the missing information, leading to increased mental fatigue and a decline in cognitive abilities over time.
Improved communication results in more solid connections
Hearing loss can cause aggravation, social solitude, and even depression. When you’re constantly struggling to hear or misinterpreting others, it can take a toll on your personal and professional life. Enhancing hearing can help maintain 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, especially in older people.
What to expect while having a hearing exam
A hearing exam is basic, painless, and usually takes under an hour. You’ll consult with an audiologist who will:
- Discuss any symptoms or worries
- 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 frequently should you get a hearing exam?
Experts suggest a baseline hearing test at age 50, followed by annual or biannual appointments, especially if you:
- Detect changes in your hearing
- Have a family history of hearing loss
- Are exposed to loud sounds on the job or in past workplaces
- Already wear hearing aids
Don’t wait to have your hearing examined
Your hearing impacts how you communicate with the world. Getting routine assessments once you reach the age of 50 can help in maintaining your mental focus, social relationships, and autonomy. Furthermore, scheduling these appointments is a simple way to monitor your health.
Not sure where to start? 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!