Hearing Screening Recommendations for Older Adults

As people get older, hearing can change so slowly that it sometimes goes unnoticed. Getting your hearing checked regularly is important for your overall health as you age. Many adults start to find it harder to keep up with conversations or catch what’s being said when there’s background noise. Screenings can catch changes early and make it easier to stay connected with friends, family and what’s happening around you. Hearing specialists suggest paying attention to your hearing so you can handle changes before they start to affect your day-to-day life.

Why Hearing Changes as You Age

As you get older, the tiny parts in your ears may not work as well as they used to. The small hair cells inside your inner ear, which help send sound signals to your brain, can become damaged or lose their sharpness over time. Being around loud noises, certain medicines and family history can also play a part in how your hearing changes. Health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure and even changes in blood flow, can have an effect too. Because these changes often happen slowly, it’s easy to miss them at first. Turning up the TV or asking people to repeat themselves more often are early signs that something might be changing with your hearing.

How Regular Hearing Screenings Help Your Everyday Life

Keeping an eye on your hearing by having screenings can really help you stay active and involved. Screenings can find changes before they get in the way of conversations, listening to music or enjoying time with others. When hearing loss is found early, there are more choices for support and ways to help. Getting checked regularly means you’re more likely to stay busy with the activities you enjoy. This also helps you keep up strong relationships and feel good about your daily life.

When to Get a Hearing Screening

For older adults, getting a hearing screening is a good step in keeping up with overall health. Even if you don’t notice obvious signs of hearing trouble, small changes can happen slowly and be easy to miss. That’s why it’s recommended to have your hearing checked at least once every few years starting around age 60 – or earlier if you’ve had regular exposure to loud noise or a family history of hearing loss. A screening is quick, noninvasive and gives you a clear picture of how well you’re hearing. Catching changes early means you can make informed choices about your hearing health before those changes begin to affect your daily life.

How Often Should Adults Over Sixty Get Checked?

Hearing instrument specialists recommend that adults over sixty have their hearing checked at least once a year. Regular screenings help find any changes early, even if you haven’t had any problems yet. If you notice new trouble hearing people or sounds, don’t wait for your next yearly check – schedule an appointment at our clinic! Keeping up with these screenings helps you manage hearing loss and keep enjoying your daily life.

What Happens at a Hearing Screening

A hearing screening visit is simple and doesn’t take long. A hearing specialist will start by asking about your health and any changes you’ve noticed in your hearing. You might be asked how well you hear on the phone or in busy places. Your hearing specialist will look in your ears to check for anything that might block sound. Then, you’ll wear headphones and listen to different sounds at different volumes and pitches. You’ll press a button or raise your hand whenever you hear something. The results show how well you hear and if there are certain sounds that are harder for you to catch. The whole visit is quick and easy, giving you a clear idea about your hearing.

What to Do After Your Hearing Screening

After your screening, there are a few things to keep in mind. If some hearing loss is found, your hearing instrument specialist may suggest next steps, like trying hearing aids or coming back for another appointment to talk about options. Ask questions and write down any details that matter to you. If your hearing is normal, just watch for any changes in your day-to-day life and keep up with regular checks as suggested. Being involved in your care helps you stay on top of conversations and activities that are important to you.

Ways to Take Care of Your Hearing as You Get Older

Looking after your hearing matters no matter your age. A few small habits can go a long way in protecting your ears. Try to limit how often you’re around loud environments, and when that’s not possible, take breaks or move away from the source of the noise. Everyday choices matter, too – listening to music through earbuds at a high volume can gradually wear down your hearing. Turning the volume down and giving your ears time to rest can help prevent long-term damage.

Your hearing health is also closely tied to your overall well-being. Conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes can affect how well your ears function, so managing them can support your hearing, too. Staying active, eating well and keeping your circulation healthy all contribute to protecting your ears over time. And finally, regular hearing screenings help catch any early signs of hearing loss, giving you more options to protect your hearing as you age.

How Hearing Loss Can Affect Social Life

Hearing loss can make it harder to join in on social activities. When it’s tough to follow conversations, some people may skip group events or gatherings, which can lead to feeling left out or spending more time alone.

How Family Can Help with Hearing Health

Family members can be a big help in keeping up with your hearing health. They may notice changes before you do, like needing to turn down the TV or repeating themselves more often. Talking openly with your family about any changes and having them come with you to see a hearing instrument specialist can make it easier to handle changes and stay close with those who matter most.

Regular hearing screenings help you stay active, safe and connected as you age. By paying attention to your hearing and working with your hearing instrument specialist, you can handle changes early and keep enjoying the people and activities you care about. If you want to learn more about hearing screenings schedule an appointment with a hearing instrument specialist.