By Nicole Anzalone
Your hearing is essential. Hearing loss is one of the only medical problems that can start to not only affect the individual with the hearing loss, but also the people around them.
Hearing loss can happen at any age although it is more common as we age due to the wear and tear on your ears over time.
Other causes include genetics, noise exposure, childhood illnesses, certain viruses, medications and medical conditions. It can occur at any age, though it’s more common as we get older.
Age-related hearing loss can start as early as in your 40s, sometimes only affecting perception of some frequencies, and may be so gradual that it may remain unnoticed for a long time.
Studies show that people tend to underestimate their hearing loss and 40-60% of people that have a mild hearing loss (or first stages of hearing loss) may not even perceive they have a hearing loss at all. Family members and friends are the first to notice the hearing loss before the person with hearing loss notices they even have trouble hearing.
If I don’t notice any hearing loss, why should I get a hearing test? And if it’s not noticeable, why not just ignore it?”
Unaddressed hearing loss affects more than hearing. Within just three years of mild loss, the brain can start to change. Many people think they hear “fine” until speech clarity declines — by then, nerve connections may have deteriorated, making communication harder. Early treatment is key: hearing aids can slow cognitive decline, improve mental and emotional health, and boost social engagement. These benefits start right away—so why wait?
So, when should you get a hearing test? The simple answer: at any age—especially if you notice any of the following:
• Sudden hearing loss or one ear hears differently than the other. This can be more urgent — schedule a hearing test immediately.
• Friends or family mention you’re having trouble hearing them. Often, you’re the last person to realize you have hearing loss.
• Ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus). This is often an early sign of changes in your hearing.
• Fullness, pressure or muffled sounds in your ears.
• Difficulty following conversations, especially in groups or noisy environments.
Even if you don’t notice symptoms, it’s recommended to get a baseline hearing evaluation in your late 40s or early 50s. This helps catch changes early and monitor your hearing over time.
Nicole Anzalone holds a Doctor of Audiology degree (AuD.), is a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) and a fellow of American Academy of Audiology (FAAA). She owns and operates Syracuse Hearing Solutions. For more information, visit https://syracusehearingsolutions.com.