Only old people have problems with their hearing, right?

While it is true that there are a higher percentage of individuals with hearing loss in the 70–90-year-old age bracket, there is a growing population of younger people facing significant hearing challenges.

In truth, the challenges of hearing loss can affect anyone of any age due to various factors, such as genetic history, illnesses and infections, noise-induced hearing damage, ototoxic substances, and so much more.

While the greater prevalence for hearing loss affects individuals above the age of 70, many of the early warning signs of hearing challenges begin to show up when you are in your 50s and 60s. Addressing your hearing challenges early rather than later allows you to live well into your 70s, 80s, and even 90s without experiencing many of the frustrations and decreased quality of life that come with hearing loss.

The team at Fox Valley ENT Associates wants to encourage individuals in Northern Illinois, just like you, to consider making hearing tests a common part of their regular preventive healthcare practices, along with eye tests, dental checkups, and annual physicals. So, let’s take a look at some of the reasons you might want to start getting your hearing tested regularly while you’re in your 60s.

What Are Some of the Early Warning Signs of Hearing Loss?

Are you missing parts of conversations in crowded restaurants or struggling to understand what people are telling you over the phone? Maybe you’re not hearing instructions clearly at work and you have to ask others to repeat themselves frequently.

Some people begin to experience ringing in their ears (tinnitus) in their 50s and 60s, which is among the early signs of hearing loss. Others are a little less confident going up and down stairs or navigating uneven terrain in the early stages of hearing loss.

The frustration and exhaustion you feel after attending a social event or family gathering could be related to the added stress of concentrating to understand the conversations around you. Many begin to withdraw from these types of events and begin to isolate rather than continuing to engage in the daily activities they’ve always enjoyed.

Untreated Hearing Loss Can Contribute to Several Negative Health Conditions

Because we assume that hearing loss only happens to old people or because we don’t want to have to deal with the stigma attached to wearing hearing aids, many of us ignore, deny, or avoid admitting that we are experiencing hearing challenges.

Hearing loss is a condition that continues to get progressively worse, so putting off treatment will only make things worse. More advanced challenges with your hearing are not the only consequence of putting off getting the help you need.

Untreated hearing loss has been linked to balance disorders, cognitive decline and dementia, and psychological issues like depression, anxiety, and social isolation. In general, putting off treatment for hearing loss can decrease your quality of life and begin to prevent you from enjoying the active, independent lifestyle you’re used to.

Fortunately, addressing your hearing loss early with regular hearing assessments, earwax cleanings, and lifestyle changes that can prevent damage to your hearing, like avoiding certain ototoxic substances and protecting your ears against noise, are ways to continue to enjoy healthy hearing for as long as you can.

You’re never too old—or too young!—to start having your hearing tested.

What You Will Experience During a Hearing Test

A comprehensive hearing assessment at Fox Valley ENT Associates involves a four-step process during a single visit, including: a personalized consultation, a thorough and noninvasive physical examination of your ears, several types of tests, and a discussion of your test results.

During your personalized consultation we’ll talk about your hearing concerns, any challenges you’re experiencing, your medical history, and your family history. We’ll also discuss your lifestyle, occupation, and various events you enjoy taking part in.

Rather than jumping right into the hearing tests, your care provider will physically examine your ears, looking for earwax or other blockages, swelling, or irritation, and determine whether there is any structural damage to the ear canal and/or middle ear.

The testing process will involve transmitting tones and speech through a pair of headphones at different frequencies and volume levels to measure how well your ears are processing sound and distinguishing various words and phrases during conversation.

You don’t have to wait on your hearing test results or have them read by some lab specialist who will get back to you in a week or so. As soon as we finish testing, your hearing care professional will discuss your results and then work through any treatment options or preventive measures you can take to maintain better hearing health for as long as possible.

Get Ahead of Your Hearing Challenges

The old cliché “better safe than sorry” definitely applies to hearing care. Whether you are experiencing the early signs of hearing loss or not, regular hearing tests (once or twice a year) are the best way to ensure that we catch your hearing challenges before they begin to disrupt your life and lifestyle.

Don’t wait until you’re old to get your hearing tested; contact Fox Valley ENT Associates to schedule a comprehensive hearing assessment today!

You can also give us a call at the Northern Illinois clinic nearest you:

Algonquin: (847) 854-0005,
Elgin: (847) 741-8500,
St. Charles: (630) 377-5000,
Huntley: (847) 741-8500.

Schedule a Hearing Assessment

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Mariah Carlson, AuD

Mariah earned her B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Butler University before going on to graduate with a Doctor of Audiology at Indiana University. During her time at IU, Mariah gained clinical experience in various environments, including at a hospital, private practice/ENT clinic, and vestibular settings. Mariah also completed her final year externship in Westchester, NY at Westchester Institute of Human Development, where she gained further experience at a cochlear implant clinic, inpatient hospital, and non-profit clinic. Mariah enjoys applying this experience to counsel patients and provide excellent care.