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Take Our Quiz on Hearing Health

Find out what you know about brain health and hearing

By

Staying Sharp

 
Updated June 10, 2025
Updated June 10, 2025
A man with earbuds in his ears listening and dancing to music with a tablet in his hand
lisegagne/Getty Images

This quiz was generated with the help of AI and reviewed by a human before posting.

Question 1 of 10

What long-term health effect is associated with hearing loss?

Research has shown a direct relationship between hearing loss and the risk of dementia, so be sure to have your hearing screened by a healthcare professional regularly. AARP offers access to the National Hearing Test. 

Question 2 of 10

What percentage of U.S. adults aged 65 to 74 have hearing loss?

According to the National Institutes of Health, about 1 in 3 U.S. adults age 65 to 74 have hearing loss. If you have concerns about your hearing, be sure to get screened by an expert. 

Question 3 of 10

Besides better hearing, what is one potential benefit of using hearing aids for older adults?

Studies have shown that using hearing aids can help maintain cognitive stability in older adults — which means a potential slowdown in cognitive decline. They also help with communication and social engagement, contributing to your quality of life. 

Question 4 of 10

How often should older adults have their hearing tested?

The World Health Organization recommends that adults aged 50-64 get their hearing screened every five years, as a general rule. However, everyone should have their hearing tested regularly as advised by their doctors.

Question 5 of 10

What’s an unexpected benefit gained by using hearing aids?

People who use hearing aids report improved communication abilities, less loneliness, and more social engagement. All great for your brain health and overall quality of life!

Question 6 of 10

What is a common warning sign of hearing loss?

What’s that you say? Keeping up with conversations in crowded rooms or restaurants is a common warning sign of hearing loss, so be sure to get screened if this is happening frequently.

Question 7 of 10

How long, on average, do adults with hearing loss wait before seeking help? 

On average, people wait around 7 years before looking into assistance, according to the Hearing Loss Association of America. But don’t procrastinate. If your hearing loss is due to a medical condition rather than old age, the sooner you treat it, the better.

Question 8 of 10

What can be an indication of hearing loss that you shouldn’t ignore?

All of these signs may seem pretty ordinary — and it’s true that some people do speak softly or prefer the TV at a lower volume. However, if any or all of these are persistently popping up, it’s a good idea to get your hearing checked.

Question 9 of 10

What is one benefit of learning to play music later in life?

Learning to play an instrument is good for social and emotional well-being, and can also have brain benefits. A 2023 study showed that a group of older adults who learned to play a keyboard improved their verbal memories in just 10 weeks as compared with a control group. 

Question 10 of 10

What improvements have been observed in older adults who started piano lessons late in life?

Let the music play! According to a 2022 study, a group of older adults who took 16 weeks of piano lessons showed improvements in working memory, processing speed and verbal fluency over those who didn’t take lessons. Music has many brain benefits.

You have unanswered questions. Please go back and complete those questions to finish the quiz.

To learn more about your hearing health, visit Staying Sharp.

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Legal Disclaimer: Staying Sharp, including all content and features, is offered for informational purposes and to educate users on brain health care and medical issues that may affect their daily lives. Staying Sharp is based on a holistic, lifestyle approach to brain health that encourages users to incorporate into their daily lives activities that are associated with general wellness. Nothing in the service should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Features including the Cognitive Assessment and Lifestyle Check-Ins, Additional Tests, exercises, and challenges assess performance at a particular moment in time on certain discrete cognitive tasks. Staying Sharp games are intended for entertainment and recreational purposes only. Various factors may affect performance, including sleep, tiredness, focus, and other social, environmental, or emotional factors. Performance is not indicative of cognitive health and not predictive of future performance or medical conditions.

 

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