This article was written by Julie VanAusdal, M.S., CCC-A, a HearingLoss.com®-Certified provider located at South Sound Audiology in Lacey, WA.
Hearing loss is often dismissed as an inevitable part of aging, especially among Baby Boomers. However, neglecting to undergo a baseline hearing test after the age of 50 can have significant consequences for both hearing and cognitive health. Early detection is crucial, as untreated hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline and dementia. This article explores the importance of baseline hearing tests, what to expect during the evaluation, and how to take proactive steps toward better hearing health.
Why Baby Boomers Often Overlook Hearing Tests
Many adults over 50 maintain regular physical check-ups and eye exams but often overlook hearing screenings. This oversight can be attributed to several factors:
- Lack of Awareness: Many individuals are unaware that hearing loss can begin subtly and may not be noticeable until it has progressed.
- Stigma: There’s a common misconception that hearing aids are only for the elderly, leading to reluctance in seeking help.
- Denial: Some may not recognize the impact of hearing loss on daily life and cognitive function.
Despite these barriers, it’s essential to understand that early detection through a baseline hearing test can lead to better management and outcomes.
Don’t let internal barriers stand in the way of healthy hearing.
Take the first step toward better hearing with our free online screener. It’s not the same as an in-person test — but it’s a simple, convenient way to start understanding your hearing health and take control of what comes next.
What Exactly Is a Baseline Hearing Test?
A baseline hearing test is an initial evaluation that establishes your hearing levels at a specific point in time. This test serves as a reference for future comparisons, allowing audiologists to detect any changes in hearing ability over time.
The testing typically involves, but may not include all (or may include additional testing), depending on your case history and symptoms:
- Pure Tone Audiometry: Determines the faintest tones you can hear at various frequencies.
- Speech Audiometry: Assesses your ability to understand speech at different volumes.
- Tympanometry: Evaluates the middle ear’s function and the mobility of the eardrum.
Having this baseline data is crucial for monitoring hearing health and making informed decisions about treatment options.
Early Detection: How a Simple Screen Protects Brain Health
Research has highlighted a significant connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Studies have shown that untreated hearing loss can lead to increased cognitive load, social isolation, and a higher risk of developing dementia.
For instance, a study published in JAMA Neurology found that individuals in their 60s who addressed hearing loss with hearing aids could reduce their risk of developing dementia by 61% compared to those who did not. This underscores the importance of early intervention in preserving cognitive health.
Let’s take control of your hearing health, together.
A baseline hearing test is the best way to understand where your hearing stands today and protect it for the future. Find a Certified provider near you to schedule your comprehensive evaluation.
Research Spotlight: Hearing Loss, Memory & Cognitive Decline
The relationship between hearing loss and cognitive decline is well-documented. Research indicates that untreated hearing loss can lead to:
- Increased Cognitive Load: The brain expends more energy processing sounds, leaving fewer resources for memory and other cognitive functions.
Research indicates that individuals with hearing loss often experience an increased cognitive load, as the brain must allocate more resources to process sounds. This extra effort can reduce the mental energy available for other functions, including memory, attention, and executive function. Essentially, the brain is working overtime to decipher speech and environmental sounds, leaving less capacity for higher-level cognitive processing. Over time, this chronic cognitive strain may contribute to measurable declines in mental performance. - Social Isolation: Difficulty hearing can lead to withdrawal from social interactions, which is a known risk factor for cognitive decline.
Social isolation is another significant factor connecting hearing loss and cognitive decline. Difficulty understanding conversations, especially in noisy environments, can make social interactions stressful or frustrating. Many adults with untreated hearing loss begin to withdraw from social gatherings, community events, or even routine family interactions. This reduction in social engagement has been linked to increased risks of depression, anxiety, and, crucially, cognitive deterioration. Social interaction is a key form of mental stimulation that helps maintain brain health; when these interactions are limited, cognitive function can decline more rapidly. - Accelerated Brain Atrophy: Studies have shown that individuals with hearing loss experience faster rates of brain shrinkage.
Accelerated brain atrophy is a third, more direct effect associated with untreated hearing loss. Brain imaging studies have shown that adults with hearing impairment often experience a faster rate of shrinkage in regions associated with memory, auditory processing, and overall cognitive functioning. This atrophy is particularly evident in the temporal lobe of the brain, which processes sound, and the hippocampus, which plays a crucial role in forming new memories. These structural changes reinforce the importance of addressing hearing loss early, as prolonged auditory deprivation may have long-lasting effects on brain health.
The Protective Power of Hearing Aids and Early Testing
Importantly, emerging research underscores that the use of hearing aids can help mitigate these risks. A 2023 study reported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) examined adults at high risk for cognitive decline who used hearing aids to correct hearing loss. Researchers found that participants who consistently used hearing aids exhibited slower cognitive decline compared with those who did not. The study suggests that restoring access to sound reduces the cognitive load, promotes social engagement, and potentially slows the progression of brain atrophy. These findings highlight the preventive power of early hearing intervention — not just for hearing health, but also for maintaining memory and cognitive function as we age.
In addition to hearing aids, routine monitoring through baseline hearing tests allows audiologists to detect early changes in hearing before they lead to more severe cognitive consequences. By identifying hearing loss early and implementing corrective strategies, adults can maintain both auditory and cognitive function, enhancing quality of life and reducing the risk of dementia-related conditions. Hearing health is thus an integral part of preventive wellness strategies for adults over 50, with broad implications for overall brain health, independence, and daily functioning.
Addressing hearing loss is not simply about better hearing; it is a proactive measure to safeguard cognitive well-being. With early detection and appropriate intervention, adults can preserve their memory, maintain active social lives, and reduce the risks associated with cognitive decline. The evidence is clear: the sooner hearing loss is recognized and treated, the more effective these protective measures can be.
Early detection makes all the difference.
A baseline hearing test helps identify changes before they impact your daily life or cognitive health. Take the proactive step: find a Certified provider near you and schedule your hearing evaluation today.
Top Signs You Need Your First Hearing Test After 50
Recognizing the signs of hearing loss is the first step toward seeking help. Common indicators include:
- Difficulty Understanding Speech: Especially in noisy environments, such as in restaurants or when multiple people are speaking.
- Asking Others to Repeat Themselves: Frequently needing repetition during conversations.
- Turning Up the Volume: Increasing the volume on the television or radio to levels that others find uncomfortable.
- Withdrawal From Social Situations: Avoiding social gatherings due to difficulty hearing.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s advisable to schedule a baseline hearing test.
Cost & Coverage: Making Hearing Tests Part of Routine Wellness
The cost of hearing tests can vary depending on the provider and location. Many insurance plans, including Medicare, may cover the cost of hearing evaluations. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage options.
Investing in a hearing test is a proactive step toward maintaining overall health and well-being.
Action Plan: How to Schedule a Certified Hearing Screening Near You
Taking the first step toward better hearing health involves:
- Researching Local Providers: Look for certified hearing care professionals or hearing centers in your area, bonus points if they’re certified by HearingLoss.com (see below for more information on this).
- Checking Insurance Coverage: Verify that the provider accepts your insurance plan.
- Scheduling an Appointment: Contact the provider to schedule a convenient time for your hearing evaluation.
- Preparing for the Appointment: Bring any relevant medical records and a list of medications you are currently taking.
By following these steps, you can ensure a comprehensive hearing evaluation and take control of your hearing health.
Quick Answers About Baseline Hearing Tests
What is a baseline hearing test?
A baseline hearing test is an initial evaluation that establishes your hearing levels, serving as a reference for future comparisons.
Why is it important after age 50?
Early detection of hearing loss can lead to better management and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
What does the test involve?
The test typically includes pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and tympanometry.
How often should I get tested?
It’s recommended to have a hearing evaluation every 1-2 years after age 50 or when you notice a change in hearing, balance, and/or internal sounds.
Is the test covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans, including Medicare, may cover the cost of hearing evaluations.
How HearingLoss.com Can Help
Understanding the importance of baseline hearing tests is the first step toward better hearing health. HearingLoss.com offers resources to help you find certified hearing providers near you and take the first step toward a comprehensive hearing evaluation.
By taking proactive measures, you can ensure that your hearing health is monitored and maintained, leading to a better quality of life.
References
- Francis, L., Seshadri, S., Dillard, L. K., Kujawa, S. G., Welling, D. B., Alcabes, R. L., & Beiser, A. S. (2025, August 18). Self-Reported Hearing Aid Use and Risk of Incident Dementia. JAMA Neurology. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2025.2713. Accessed September 30, 2025.
- Hearing aids slow cognitive decline in people at high risk. (2023, August 8). National Institutes of Health (NIH). https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/hearing-aids-slow-cognitive-decline-people-high-risk. Accessed August 14, 2025.
- The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss. (2025). Hopkinsmedicine.org. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss. Accessed August 14, 2025.
South Sound Audiology in Lacey, Washington, works hard to provide the best practices in hearing care for everyone who walks through its doors. Their passionate team is at the forefront of hearing care for the Lacey and Greater Olympia areas. Believing that better hearing leads to a better life, South Sound puts its patients first — from hearing assessments to hearing aids — and ensures that all members of their community are well looked after.
