Hearing is a critical sense that lets us talk to each other, get to know people, and enjoy the world around us. But many people take their hearing for granted and forget how important it is to check it regularly. This can be a mistake, as regular checkups help you act quickly and get the right care if an issue is noticed. However, many adults rarely think about this need. This article will explore the need for regular hearing checks, including how often they should be done, hearing health as you age, and the different kinds of hearing loss. With careful management and preventative care, our hearing health can last us well into the later stages of our life. Continue reading to learn more.
How Often Should Adults Have Their Hearing Checked?
How often adults need to get their hearing checked depends on their age, general health, and personal risk factors, among other things. According to most experts, adults should get their hearing checked at least once every three to five years. But some people may need to be checked more often than others. For example, if you work in a noisy place like a building site or factory, you should get your hearing checked every year. Also, you should get your hearing checked more often if hearing loss runs in your family or if you have been around a lot of noise throughout your life.
As you get older, your chances of getting hearing loss go up. It is thought that about one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 have some degree of hearing loss and that nearly half of people over 75 have trouble hearing. So, it’s even more critical for older people to get their hearing checked regularly. Also, some health problems, like diabetes or heart disease, can make it more likely to lose hearing. If you have concerns about your hearing, don’t hesitate. Call our Hearing Associates of Las Vegas team to receive an evaluation of your hearing health today.
Hearing Health and Age
Our bodies change in many ways as we age, and some of our abilities, like hearing, may be affected. It is important to consider these changes and take steps to protect and keep track of our hearing health.
- Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, is a common disease that develops gradually over time. It can make it hard to hear high-pitched sounds and follow speech in noisy places. Regular hearing tests can catch hearing loss from getting older early, so the right steps can be taken.
- We might hear loud noises from music, machines, or leisure activities throughout our lives. Listening to loud sounds for a long time can damage the inner ear’s delicate structures and cause lasting hearing loss. As you age, the effects of being around noise may become clearer. Regular hearing tests can help you keep track of any changes in your hearing and get help right away if you need it.
- Some medications can have side effects that make it hard to hear. This problem, called ototoxicity, can cause temporary or lasting hearing loss. As you get older, you might be more likely to feel the effects of these medications. Regular hearing tests can help you determine if your hearing has changed and if you need to change your medicine.
- Many studies have found a link between hearing loss and cognitive decline, including an increased chance of dementia. It’s essential to deal with hearing loss right away to avoid any adverse effects on the brain. Regular hearing tests can help find any changes in hearing and ensure the proper steps are taken to support the brain’s general health.
- Hearing loss can significantly affect a person’s relationships with other people and their mental health. It could make you feel alone and frustrated and lower the standard of your life. Regular hearing tests can help find any hearing problems and allow you to look into solutions, like hearing aids or assistive devices, to help you communicate better and feel better overall.
Understanding the Types of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be broken down into three main types: conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss. Understanding these types is important for determining the best ways to treat and care for them.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss happens when a problem in the outer or middle ear makes it hard for sound to reach the inner ear. This hearing loss can be caused by too much earwax, an ear infection, too much fluid in the middle ear, or a problem with how the ear is built. Conductive hearing loss can usually be treated with medicine or surgery, and hearing can be recovered or improved.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural Hearing Loss is the most common type of hearing loss and is caused by damage to the delicate hair cells in the inner ear or the auditory nerve paths. This hearing loss can be caused by getting older, being around loud noises, taking certain medicines, your genes, or other things. Sensorineural hearing loss is usually permanent, but hearing aids and other assistive devices can help.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss is a mix of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. It happens when both the outer or middle ear and the inner ear or auditory nerve paths aren’t working right. In these situations, hearing aids or other support devices may be used along with medical or surgical treatments.
Once our team completes a hearing evaluation, we will discuss your hearing loss, explore your options for preventing further damage, and ways you can improve your hearing. Our skilled team will take the time to answer any questions you have. We want to ensure you have the support you need to live your life fully.
Take the First Step to Healthy Hearing With a Hearing Evaluation
Adults need to check their hearing regularly to stay on top of their hearing needs. How often depends on age, general health, and personal risk factors. With the knowledge you gain from your hearing assessment and understanding of the different kinds of hearing loss, you can make smart decisions about your hearing health and take steps to protect and improve your quality of life. Take the first step today by scheduling your hearing evaluation at Hearing Associates of Las Vegas.
info@hearingassociateslv.com
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