Why You Should Get Screened After 50 (And How To Do It)
October is Audiology Awareness Month, and our team at Hearing Health Solutions is excited to announce that in support of the new research in hearing care, we are launching a new hearing screening program to help older adults prioritize their hearing health.
Routine hearing screenings are key to maintaining both your overall health and quality of life. Keep reading to see how early detection of hearing loss can lead to better treatment outcomes and long-term well-being.
The Hearing-Brain Health Connection
There is a strong connection between hearing and dementia. Reputable sources, such as Johns Hopkins University, show individuals with mild hearing loss are twice as likely to develop dementia compared to those with normal hearing.
Why the increased risk? One major factor is the strain hearing loss puts on the brain. When it’s harder to engage in conversations, your brain works overtime to keep up. This extra effort, combined with reduced social interaction, can contribute to cognitive decline.
By addressing hearing loss early, you can ease the load on your brain and maintain a healthier, more active social life—ultimately lowering your risk for dementia.
New Clinical Recommendations
Proactive hearing care is more important than ever, especially as new guidelines suggest that all adults start regular hearing screenings at age 50, regardless of symptoms. A hearing test every three years is also recommended, as hearing loss can often go unnoticed over time.
Accessible Screening Program
With these new recommendations, accessible hearing screenings are essential. That’s why our team at Hearing Health Solutions developed a program that makes it easy to stay on top of your hearing health. Our program offers convenient testing options to ensure that screenings fit seamlessly into your routine.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which hearing test is best for older adults?
Pure tone audiometry (PTA) is the most effective test for detecting age-related hearing loss (ARHL). This test identifies the pattern degree (mild, moderate, severe, or profound) and configuration of your hearing loss. If PTA isn’t available, an audiometric evaluation or online hearing screenings can be alternatives.
What is a normal hearing range for a 50-year-old?
By the time you reach your 50s, you may only be able to hear up to 12,000 Hz, compared to the 20,000 Hz range common among younger people. Higher-pitched sounds, especially consonants, tend to become harder to detect, while vowels remain clearer.
What is the recommendation for routine hearing loss over 50?
Regular screenings are the best way to monitor your hearing health. Starting at age 50, schedule a screening every three years. If hearing loss is detected, your healthcare provider will help you determine the next steps and find a solution that suits your needs and budget. We also recommend discussing communication strategies with family and friends, such as:
- Rephrasing instead of repeating messages if they aren’t understood.
- Avoiding conversations from different rooms.
- Communicating face-to-face at the same level (both seated or standing).
- Reducing background noise like TV or running water during conversations.
Is hearing loss in your 50s normal?
Yes, it’s common to experience some hearing loss in your 50s. While hearing loss can happen at any age, the likelihood increases as you get older. Research shows that 5% of adults aged 45-54 have disabling hearing loss. This number jumps to 10% for those aged 55-64 and continues to rise as we age. More than half of adults over 75 experience significant hearing loss.
Take Action
Protect your hearing and your health today. Learn more about our accessible hearing screening program, designed to detect hearing loss in seniors early and help you take immediate steps to safeguard your cognitive well-being. Book your appointment and let us know you’d like a hearing screening and you’re all set! We also offer online hearing screenings so you can check your hearing from the comfort of your own home. Make a simple step toward better health today.