Our lives are busy and hectic – from our jobs to cooking food to social activities. It probably seems like there’s not enough time to have your hearing tested. And maybe you don’t even recognize any hearing loss – so you think a hearing test can wait.
You shouldn’t put it off – here’s why:
1. You Can Protect Against Additional Hearing Loss
Because hearing loss normally advances slowly, many individuals don’t recognize how bad it’s become. Over time, without even realizing it, they start compensating and changing their lifestyle. In the meantime, they continue to do things to make their hearing loss worse.
But knowledge is power.
It can be an eye-opener to have your hearing checked. You can slow the advancement of hearing loss but there isn’t any way to reverse the damage already done.
If you are experiencing moderate hearing loss, you will want to know how to keep it from getting worse.
The progression of hearing loss can be slowed by more effectively controlling chronic disease, reducing your blood pressure, and exercising more.
Reducing your exposure to loud sounds and wearing ear protection during noisy activities will further protect your inner ears from additional harm.
2. You’re Missing More Than You Realize
You might have slowly forgotten your love for music if you’ve been dealing with moderate hearing loss. You might not remember what it’s like to have a discussion without asking family or friends to repeat themselves.
You may find yourself getting further away from doing your favorite activities and spending time with friends.
Having a hearing examination allows you to measure your degree of hearing loss. In the majority of situations, we can help you hear better.
3. You Might Enhance Your Hearing Aid Experience
If you already use a hearing aid, you might not want to use it. You may not feel like it improves your listening experience. Having your hearing retested by a hearing specialist will help you find out if you have the right hearing aid for your type and degree of hearing loss and whether it’s effectively adjusted.
4. It’s Possible That You’re At Risk Already
Measurable hearing loss can be detected in both ears in 13% of U.S. citizens (30 million people) 12 and up. Among adults between the ages of 55 and 64, 8.5% are experiencing debilitating hearing loss. Hearing loss is commonly caused by environmental factors. It’s not simply about getting old. Exposure to loud sound causes the majority of it.
Your at an elevated danger if you are involved in any of these activities:
- Attend movies, plays, or concerts
- Work at a loud job
- Hunt or practice shooting with firearms
- Listen to loud music or wear earbuds
- Ride a motorcycle or snowmobile
- Mow the lawn
Hearing loss can be a consequence of any of these ordinary activities. You need to go have your hearing checked by a hearing professional as soon as possible if you detect a decline in your ability to hear regardless of what your age is.
5. Your General Health Will Improve
Individuals with untreated hearing loss have a substantially higher risk of:
- Falls that result in injuries
- Depression
- Slow healing or frequent hospital admissions
- Missing or skipping out on doctor appointments
- Alzheimer’s/dementia
- Longer treatments in hospitals and rehab
- Social solitude (preferring to be alone)
- Anxiety
A hearing test is not only about your hearing.
6. Strained Relationships Can be Repaired
Friends and family members can lose their patience when addressing someone who has ignored their hearing loss. Misunderstandings are more common. People will become aggravated with the situation, including you. Regret and resentment can be the outcome. Friends and family members might even exclude you from gatherings versus having to continuously repeat what they said.
But the good news is, having your hearing tested will help mend stressed relationships and stop misunderstandings from occurring again.