October 26, 2023
Why Seniors Need Regular Hearing Test
It’s easy to take your hearing for granted, assuming it will always be there for you. But did you know hearing loss is common in seniors, affecting one out of three adults aged 65–74 and nearly half of those 75 and up?1
Hearing loss develops so gradually that many aren’t even aware of a problem until it has advanced beyond an easily treatable stage. However, regular hearing exams with an audiologist are an excellent first line of defense. Hearing exams are quick, painless and perfectly safe, and early detection of any hearing issues increases the odds of successful treatment.
Some degree of hearing loss is natural as we age. But other factors can lead to hearing loss, as well. Excessive exposure to loud noise, impacted earwax, chronic ear infections and certain medications can all contribute to (or speed up) hearing loss. Regular hearing exams can help an audiologist spot these issues before they get worse and offer a treatment solution to those who might otherwise experience the debilitating side effects of living with hearing loss, which may include:
- Depression
- Social isolation
- Cognitive issues
- Falls
Fortunately, getting treatment has been proven to help—research shows that wearing hearing devices can slow cognitive decline,2 lower the risk of falls3 and even improve one’s social life.4
Protect one of your most valuable attributes, your sense of hearing, by ensuring you get regular hearing checkups. Your quality of life may depend on it!
Enjoy an unparalleled hearing health experience from patient-focused audiologists who take the time to get to know you. Call Fort HealthCare Audiology at 920.563.6667 in Fort Atkinson or 262.473.8920 in Whitewater to explore your options and schedule a hearing evaluation or complimentary hearing screening.
1 National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2023). Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis). https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/age-related-hearing-loss#:~:text=
2 Maharani, A., Dawes, P., et al. (2018). Longitudinal relationship between hearing aid use and cognitive function in older Americans. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29637544/
3 Strait, J. (2016). Hearing aids may improve balance: The Source: Washington University in St. Louis. https://source.wustl.edu/2014/12/hearing-aids-may-improve-balance/
4 Kochkin, Sergei. (2011). MarkeTrak VIII patients report improved quality of life with hearing aid usage. The Hearing Journal. 64. 25-26,28,30,32. 10.1097/01.HJ.0000399150.30374.45.