Hearing Tests for Seniors: Importance and What to Expect
If you're among the roughly 65% of adults over 71 living with hearing loss, you know how limiting this problem can feel. That's why regular hearing check-ups need to be part of your annual healthcare maintenance plan. With professional care, you can find solutions so you're not missing out on conversations and other enjoyable parts of life.
Keep reading to learn about the importance of hearing tests and what you can expect!
Focus on Early Detection
The older you get, the greater the likelihood of hearing loss. Detecting hearing loss sooner rather than later can empower seniors to take action before they miss out on all the activities that enrich their lives.
Don't let anxiety over anticipated results prevent you from making an appointment, either. Remember that appointments are meant to be helpful, and the benefits of regular senior hearing assessments are significant. By identifying hearing issues early, you can:
- Enjoy better quality of life
- Avoid feeling isolated
- Keep your mind active and engaged
Make hearing health check-ups with a trained specialist, like an audiologist or ENT doctor. These professionals will know how to administer hearing tests and read the results. They also can prescribe hearing aids or whatever type of treatment is recommended.
Be aware that putting off a hearing assessment can rob you of life's greatest riches. When you're not able to hear conversations with friends or movies on TV, you'll feel frustrated and isolated. At a certain point, you may even retreat from social engagements.
Instead, taking action and getting hearing aids, if necessary, can help you remain engaged with those around you. You'll be able to take phone calls and eat lunch with friends.
Further, you'll be enhancing your personal safety since alert ears will be able to detect alarms or other cautionary signs around you. You don't want to miss a fire alarm or the sound of someone calling out a warning.
Understand the Types of Auditory Evaluations
Not all audiology exams are the same. Each hearing test will focus on measuring your response to different sounds or the human voice in order. Common types include:
- Speech audiometry
- Pure-tone audiometry
- Tympanometry
- Visual inspection
With pure-tone audiometry, for example, you'll listen to various tones and sounds at differing volumes. The pitches will vary, too, and you'll be asked to indicate when you hear them, often by raising your hand or pressing a button.
Tympanometry involves checking how well your middle ear, including the ear drum, is functioning. Your audiologist will insert a probe that expels air into your ear. If all is normal, the ear drum should move as expected, and there shouldn't be fluid in the middle ear.
An audiologist may conduct a visual inspection of the ears, as well, using a specialized camera. You may have earwax or other obstructions that impact your ability to hear clearly. They'll write down their findings to serve as a baseline for comparison during future visits.
Determine How Often You Need Testing
Was your last hearing test in grade school? If it's been a while, you may feel reluctant to schedule one several decades later. But it's never a bad idea to let a trained professional assess how well you're hearing.
Knowing how often to get auditory evaluations may depend on several factors. These include:
- Your age
- Your family history
- Your history of noise exposure
- Indications of hearing loss
Generally, individuals are advised to get annual hearing exams during their physicals. While this doesn't always happen, it is essential for adults over 60 to get their hearing checked each year. And if you have a family history, you should be intentional about starting routine tests in your 50s.
Do you feel especially sensitive to certain sounds? Or do you hear ringing in your ears? These could be signs of hearing loss, and they're important to bring up with your provider.
If you frequently ask people to repeat statements, your hearing may be deteriorating. And if you have worked jobs that exposed you to loud noises, you could be at a higher risk of hearing loss. Likewise, a family history of hearing issues or ear infections could make hearing tests that much more critical.
Know What to Expect
When scheduling a hearing test, it's fair to ask how the appointment will go. Your provider should be able to approximate the length of the test and outline some of the key features. These could include:
- Information gathering about your medical history
- A series of hearing tests
- Verbal communication
- A discussion of the results
You'll sit in a soundproof room and usually wear headphones during tests. Your provider will perform a series of tests that ask you to respond to pitches and differing volumes. You may be asked to repeat statements you hear as another way of assessing how well you hear language.
Beyond the tests, your provider should set aside time for discussions. Come to your appointment prepared with questions.
For example, you may be aware of hearing loss already but wonder if hearing aids are necessary. Additionally, you may wonder if there's an obvious cause of hearing loss that shows up during the exam.
After conducting the tests, your audiologist should go over the results with you and give you a paper report. They may recommend hearing aids or a cochlear implant if results indicate hearing loss. If the results generally are good, they may ask you to come back in a year for a follow-up exam.
Pursue Regular Hearing Tests
Ultimately, routine hearing tests can help you stay ahead of hearing loss. Ask your provider how often you should come in for tests, and know what to expect at each appointment. Be prepared with questions, too, when your audiologist discusses the results of each exam.
If you're a senior seeking a residence in Kansas with enhanced care and top amenities, Addington Place of Prairie Village is the new home for you. We offer the best personalized care tailored to your needs plus fun classes and cozy apartments where you can relax. Reach out to us today to learn more!