Seniors: The One ‘Checkup’ You SHOULDN’T Skip!

By Jack Taylor Posted February 19, 2022

Whether it’s visiting your primary care physician – or even a ‘specialist’ – it’s no secret that staying up-to-date on your doctor’s visits is one of the best ways to help identify potential health issues. 

But for many Americans – especially seniors – the COVID-19 pandemic has caused millions of folks to ‘skip’ some very important medical appointments over the past couple years. 

In fact, it’s estimated that nearly 41% of adults have flat out avoided routine medical care during the pandemic! 

While it’s natural to want to avoid a COVID exposure, it shouldn’t mean that you put your health – or important medical appointments – on the back burner.  

And to make matters worse, according to a new study, millions of older Americans continue to put off one of the most important ‘checkups’ for your overall health and well-being (hint: it’s not your annual physical!).  

But today I’m here to tell you why you shouldn’t skip this vital checkup… and the simple steps you can take to stay safe.  

According to findings from the National Poll on Healthy Aging, the majority of Americans over the age of 50 have NOT been checked for hearing loss anytime in the past two years.  

And, a whopping 80% report having primary care physicians who have not questioned or checked their hearing capabilities! 

Now you might think this isn’t a big deal — it’s just hearing after all. But the reality is that your hearing can have a HUGE impact on your health. 

But all of this leads to more and more older Americans neglecting their hearing health! 

When hearing loss not only affects your ability to interact with family, friends, and loved ones… but hearing loss can also lead to an increase risk of falls, and in some cases an increased risk of dementia!  

So, not getting a routine hearing check is bad news for your overall health and well-being!  

But this doesn’t mean you need to continue to neglect your hearing.  

If you haven’t had your hearing checked in a while, reach out to your doctor about conducting a simple hearing test or routine checkup. In-person ear exams can be done safely.  

But if you’re worried about COVID, many doctors can conduct hearing tests using telehealth visits that can at least help identify if your hearing is up-to-par, or if a second look may be needed. 

If you already suffer from hearing loss and have put off those routine visits, it’s important to reach out to your doctor or audiologist to get back on a regular routine. As I just mentioned, many routine hearing ‘checkups’ can be done remotely. But, in-person visits with a hearing specialist can also be done safely.