Many audiologists recommend that people over the age of 55 get annual hearing tests. But is it really necessary? Does it make a difference?
Hearing Loss Isn’t Just a Condition That Affects the Elderly
According to data, hearing loss is among the most common chronic conditions in the US. Research by the Hearing Loss Association of America shows that it affects 48 million people to some degree, the majority of whom would benefit tremendously from wearing a hearing aid.
Hearing loss is as prevalent as it is because of age-related and lifestyle factors. Excessive noise exposure, for instance, is a leading cause. Occupational exposure and listening to music too loudly through headphones can both cause issues later on in life. Poor diet and sedentary lifestyles may also play a role.
Because of the prevalence of hearing loss, all adults should sign up for regular screening. Adults younger than 55 should have a hearing test every three years, while those over that age should seriously consider getting one annually.
Hearing Loss Is Gradual
Hearing loss is something that creeps up on you. As such, many people don’t go for a test until they’ve had hearing issues for several years, by which time, some of the damage may already be done.
The signs that you need to go for a hearing test are often subtle, but they are there. Here are some examples:
- You struggle to hear what people are saying over the phone.
- You often need to ask people to repeat themselves.
- You have difficulty telling where a sound is coming from.
- You sometimes notice that voices sound muffled or muted.
- You have trouble understanding a speaker when they are not facing you.
- You need to turn up the volume on the TV louder than other people in your home.
Hearing Loss Can Affect Your Happiness and Health
What happens in your ears can also impact your body and mind. People with hearing loss tend to be less socially engaged and more withdrawn than those with normal hearing. They can also become less active, something which may take its toll on their health.
Hearing loss may be affecting you if:
- You don’t want to go out as often with friends and family.
- You worry about having people over to stay.
- You can’t communicate what you think or how you feel.
- You feel like you’re trapped in your body.
- You can’t earn as much because you can’t tell what other people are saying.
What Happens If You Don’t Treat Hearing Loss?
If hearing loss goes undetected, it can cause all sorts of issues that affect your quality of life. Unfortunately, most people only take action once the condition has progressed to the point where they can no longer ignore it. When this happens, they miss opportunities to manage it earlier and, potentially, slow progression.
Audiologists recommend annual hearing tests for those over the age of 55 because of the risks associated with hearing loss. For instance, hearing loss can lead to:
- Depression due to social isolation and a feeling of being disconnected from the people around you.
- Dementia because of a lack of stimulation from social engagement.
- Missing early signs of life-threatening diseases that can affect the functioning of the ears, such as heart disease and diabetes.
- Difficulty hearing simple sounds that give you a sense of joy, such as birdsong or a child’s voice.
- Misunderstandings at work that lead to performance reviews and dismissals.
- Trouble forming close relationships with other people.
In summary, hearing tests aren’t just about detecting hearing loss. They also support your quality of life more broadly. If you can’t hear, it can have various knock-on effects elsewhere that hamper your success and wellbeing.
Schedule a Hearing Test Today
Untreated hearing loss can result in strain on your relationships, loss of earning power and mental health issues. However, thanks to modern technology, it’s treatable. With hearing aids or other procedures, you can improve your ability to hear others and, in turn, your quality of life.
The sooner you act on hearing loss, the better. Getting the right treatment today makes it less likely you will experience the adverse outcomes listed above. If you would like to schedule a hearing test, call Two Rivers Hearing at (321) 499-2488. Audiologists will thoroughly review your hearing and then make treatment recommendations, if necessary.
