The Importance of Annual Hearing Tests in Seniors

The old saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” could very well be the motto of the hearing health industry. Since a high percentage of hearing loss cases are irreversible and preventable, audiology experts are quick to preach the significance of hearing loss prevention. An important part of maintaining your hearing health is receiving regular hearing test. This is especially important for those over 50, as there is a strong correlation between aging and hearing loss.
Some conditions are easy to identify and are therefore more likely to be treated quickly. A toothache, for example, is not likely to be ignored for an extensive length of time. However, hearing loss can be difficult to discern. In many cases of noise-induced hearing loss, the impairment occurs over a lifetime, making it much easier to adapt to. On average, people wait up to seven years to seek treatment for hearing loss. During this time, untreated hearing loss can take its toll on many areas of your emotional, physical and mental well-being.
For this reason, audiologists recommend annual hearing exams for all individuals over 50 years of age. A standard hearing exam takes approximately an hour to complete, and generally involves a physical examination of the ear, sound-based tests and a consultation with a hearing professional. The test will gauge your auditory capabilities and determine if the use of hearing aids is necessary.
If hearing loss is diagnosed, your hearing health professional will generally provide a personalized hearing treatment plan, which may involve auditory rehabilitation and assistance from listening devices. When a hearing loss is identified, it is important to seek immediate treatment. Left untreated, hearing loss can worsen and even impair cognitive function.
In order to be proactive about your overall well-being, be sure to include annual hearing tests as a part of your preventative health regimen. To learn more, contact your local hearing health professional. To find qualified provider of hearing aids in Simi Valley, we encourage you to contact our team at Decibel Hearing Services. Our team provides expert-level care in a range of hearing-related services, including hearing diagnostics, hearing aid repair and individualized treatment plans.