My cataracts are in the very early stage, so I still see fine with corrective lenses. I'm almost 70. However, I've been wearing hearing aids since my late 50s.
I used to take my Mother to the hearing aid place. Coincidently, she began noticing a fall off in her late 50s. I would take her once a year for a test to check to see if any correction was needed. After a number of years, I mentioned to the folks there that I might need a test, too.
At the time, I was doing annual presentations to a couple different industry groups. This was not a big thing. We would book either the Petroleum Club or a hotel, provide lunch and have a working session/presentation. There would be maybe 50 people there and me. I began to notice I'd have difficulty making out questions, especially from a female, but my style was to be mobile and walk around the room as opportunity presented itself during the presentation. So, I'd just walk to the table asking the questions and I'd be able to hear fine.
Back to the hearing aid place. The lady tested my hearing (for free) and found out that I did have hearing loss. I began wearing hearing aids. After 6 mos. to a year, I found I could not live without them. It was like a blanket was over my head until I put in my hearing aids. (Disclosure: the first 6-8 months were awful trying to adjust to hearing aids.)
I had been aware from taking my Mother that the earlier you time beginning to use hearing aids with your initial hearing loss, the better long-term results you will obtain. Mother had waited longer than me and found she had to read the newspaper out loud to herself in the mornings to help her brain adjust to speech recognition with the hearing aids. I did not have to do that, but again, there is an adjustment period for everyone.
Anyway, I hear pretty well as long as my hearing aids are in. Many places have a free or inexpensive test. If you are older or if you are having difficulty in certain situations hearing, go get tested. At least you'll know and can make an informed decision.
