Annual Hearing Tests: Who Is Required & Why They Matter

by Kim Davies November 2, 2022

Among many conditions a person can experience, hearing loss is one of the most devastating because it can affect the quality of life. Most people who experience it do so because of aging. For this reason, many people are encouraged to take a hearing test such as the Echalk Hearing Test. The elderly are particularly encouraged because the hearing loss may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.

Hearing tests should be considered by those over the age of 60, though it's also recommended for those over 50. The eardrum may start to change to result in the ability to hear less. In some cases, there may be damage to the tiny hairs in the inner ear, called cilia, which can also cause significant hearing loss. Whatever the reason, hearing tests are something that should never be overlooked because they can help identify issues before they become a problem.

Here are some reasons why elderly should take a hearing test:

#1 - Aging and Hearing Loss Are Related

Hearing loss is a condition that people experience as they age. A person's ability to hear typically declines to begin in the 40s, with help from the condition of the ear. For this reason, elderly are encouraged to take a hearing test because the decrease in hearing ability may be the result of a more serious underlying condition.

#2 - Hearing Loss Is a Gradual Process

Hearing loss is a gradual process, which means that not everyone who has it will experience a significant drop in hearing capability. What happens is that the change in the ear is minor, but the impact on someone's ability to hear can be severe.

Elderly should take a hearing test to determine if the loss is minor or severe and if the severity explains why they may not be able to hear certain things. In many cases, hearing loss may result from a little change in the ear that they don't have to worry about. Sometimes, it may signify something more serious, like a tumor or infection.

#3 - Hearing Aids Can Help Slow the Process

Aging and hearing loss are inevitable, but that doesn't mean that the elderly have to have difficulty hearing. Conducting a hearing test will likely yield a recommendation to use hearing aids. By using hearing aids, the elderly can continue enjoying every sound they hear.

There are many hearing aids out there. Some are made especially to fit the ear. Elderly like behind-the-ear hearing aid because it's smaller and can be used more discreetly. Other hearing aids will do in the ear to not be as prominent. However, both types can be effective, so it's just a matter of personal preference.

#4 - Hearing Loss Affects One’s Well-Being

Hearing loss affects one's well-being in more ways than one. Not being able to hear something can impact how one lives their life. In some cases, an individual may not be able to communicate with loved ones in person or on the phone. This can be a problem because the elderly can feel isolated.

Hearing aids can help alleviate this problem for elderly because they're a simple way to make sounds louder. Regardless of the distance, they can help the elderly hear as if a person is standing right next to them.

#5 - Cognitive Abilities Can Decline with Hearing Loss

In addition to impacting one's well-being and quality of life. Some elderly may even forget essential conversation details because they may not be able to remember details.

In this case, hearing a conversation may not be enough. Hearing aids can help elderly hear better, but they can also help them remember what is being said. Hearing aids can do this because they can make certain sounds louder that they may have missed.

#6 - Hearing Loss Is an Onset of Dementia

Hearing loss is a common sign of dementia. When dementia starts to develop, it can be hard to treat it because it's hard to catch on to. This is why the elderly are encouraged to take a hearing test because they may be able to prevent the onset of dementia.

Elderly who experience hearing loss may be able to prevent the onset of dementia by using hearing aids. When someone who is beginning to experience dementia loses their hearing, they may not be able to communicate with loved ones.

Conclusion

There are so many reasons why elderly should take a hearing test. It will help them determine if they're experiencing hearing loss, but it can also help them decide whether they could be at risk for a more serious underlying condition. Many elderly are encouraged to take a hearing test to help prevent experiencing hearing loss and other severe conditions.

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