As we age, our bodies change in many ways — and our hearing is no exception. If you’re over 50 and haven’t had a hearing test recently, now is the perfect time to consider scheduling one. Regular hearing checks can protect your quality of life, improve communication, and even safeguard your brain health.
At Coastal Hearing, based in Colwyn Bay and serving all of North Wales, we specialise in private hearing care tailored for adults over 50. Here’s why regular hearing assessments are so important — and what you can expect during your visit.
Understanding Age-Related Hearing Loss
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, affects roughly one in three people over the age of 65. It usually develops gradually, often over many years, and can go unnoticed at first. The most common type is sensorineural hearing loss — damage to the tiny hair cells in the inner ear that detect sound.
Symptoms often include:
- Difficulty hearing conversations, especially in noisy environments
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- Turning up the volume on the TV or radio louder than others prefer
- Trouble hearing on the phone
- A feeling of muffled or unclear sounds
Because presbycusis develops slowly, many people don’t realise how much it’s affecting them until it becomes severe.
Why Early Detection Matters
It’s easy to dismiss mild hearing loss as “just part of getting older,” but untreated hearing loss has broader consequences:
1. Protect Your Brain Health
Recent research links untreated hearing loss with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Struggling to hear forces your brain to work harder, which can lead to mental fatigue and long-term changes in brain structure.
2. Improve Social Connections
Hearing loss often causes people to withdraw from conversations and social gatherings, leading to isolation and loneliness. Staying socially active is key to mental well-being as we age.
3. Boost Your Quality of Life
Clear hearing supports confidence, safety (e.g., hearing alarms, traffic), and overall enjoyment of daily activities.
How Often Should You Have a Hearing Test?
At Coastal Hearing, we recommend adults aged 50 and over have a hearing assessment every two years, even if you don’t notice obvious symptoms. This allows us to detect early changes and intervene promptly.
If you are already experiencing symptoms or have a family history of hearing loss, it’s a good idea to get tested sooner.
What to Expect at Your Hearing Test
Your hearing test at Coastal Hearing will be:
- Friendly and comfortable — Our experienced audiologists make sure you feel at ease.
- Comprehensive — We use the latest digital audiometry technology to evaluate your hearing across different frequencies and in various conditions.
- Personalised — We explain your results clearly and discuss any concerns you have. If hearing aids or other treatments are recommended, we’ll help you find the right solution.
Our clinic serves the wider North Wales region, including Colwyn Bay, Llandudno, Bangor, Rhyl, and Anglesey, providing private hearing tests without long NHS waiting times.
Hearing Aids & Support: Modern Solutions for Today’s Hearing Loss
If hearing loss is diagnosed, modern hearing aids can make a huge difference. Today’s devices are:
- Sleek, discreet, and comfortable
- Bluetooth-enabled for streaming music, phone calls, and TV sound directly to your ears
- Customisable to your unique hearing needs and lifestyle
At Coastal Hearing, we offer a range of advanced hearing aids alongside ongoing support and hearing care, ensuring you get the best experience.
Book Your Hearing Test with Coastal Hearing Today
Don’t wait until hearing loss starts impacting your life. Taking action early can improve your hearing health and overall well-being.
Contact Coastal Hearing in Colwyn Bay to schedule your private hearing test. Serving the whole of North Wales, our expert audiologists provide personalised care in a warm, professional environment.
Additional Tips for Hearing Health After 50
- Protect your ears from loud noise (e.g., use ear plugs at concerts or while using power tools)
- Avoid inserting cotton buds or other objects into your ear canal
- Keep your ears dry and clean, and seek professional help for ear wax removal
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including exercise and a balanced diet, to support overall ear health
Coastal Hearing — Your trusted partner for hearing health in North Wales.
Book a Hearing health check
📞 0800 054 8458