It’s no secret that our bodies deteriorate as we age. Things that were once easy suddenly become more of a chore; our vision fades, weight creeps up on us as our metabolism slows down, and some of us experience hearing loss. With all of the bodily changes that occur, it’s not uncommon for an elderly person to have several doctor’s visits scheduled in one week. It’s important to have a regular hearing screening be included in those yearly check-ups for seniors. Here a few reasons why:
Multiple systems are affected
All of our body systems work together and a problem with one could affect the functioning of another. For example, some hearing disorders interfere with the functioning of the inner ear. This can then affect balance and lead to an increased risk of falling. Early detection and treatment of hearing issues is especially important for seniors. One main reason is because falling is already one of the leading causes of serious injury for this age group.
Hearing and thinking are connected
Hearing loss can also affect cognitive functioning. When our hearing is not at its best, we miss out on important cues around us and confusion can occur. This affects how and what we think, and how we interact with others around us, including loved ones and caregivers. Depression and isolation may also result from not being able to hear well.
Safety concerns
Good hearing is essential for being able to receive and process some safety warnings. Think about fire alarms, sirens, or verbal precautions from those around us. Without a regular hearing test to screen for hearing changes, hearing loss may not be identified until it’s too late.
Gradual hearing loss
Not everyone loses their hearing at the same rate. For some, it is a very gradual process spanning several years. A yearly hearing screening can help to show the progression of hearing decline and identify the rate at which it will continue to deteriorate if left untreated.
Diagnose other health problems
Hearing loss is not always an isolated disorder. It may be the result of another medical problem, such as diabetes complications, high blood pressure, or a head injury. Identification of hearing changes may lead to the early diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of another more serious problem.
Why not catch hearing changes early and help improve your quality of life? Contact one of our audiologists today to schedule a hearing screening so you can continue to hear and live well, even as you age.
