Hearing loss frequently begins with slight, almost unperceivable changes that can be easy to overlook. Often, it is loved ones who are the first to notice and bring awareness to a person’s hearing trouble. While hearing exams are a regular part of childhood, many adults tend to disregard this important checkup, unlike routine eye exams that are often prioritized.
Indications That You May Require a Hearing Evaluation
There are lots of everyday instances where you might not be hearing everything and certainly not hearing what others are.
- Are you frequently asking people to repeat what they said?
- Are you finding yourself cranking up the volume on your TV?
- Is it harder to understand everybody at a noisy restaurant?
- Are there misunderstandings at work or at home leading to disagreements?
Such episodes can occur regularly and have a lasting impact on interpersonal relationships.
Specific Reasons Why You Should Have Your Hearing Tested Regularly
According to the standards provided by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, adults are recommended to have a hearing screening every 10 years before reaching the age of 50. For adults aged 50 and above, it is advised to have a hearing assessment every 3 years.
1. Genetics
If other members of your family have hearing issues, this is a very good reason to schedule a hearing test with a hearing specialist.
2. Establish a Reference Point for Your Current Hearing Level
Once you are aware of your hearing ability in each ear, you become aware of any problems.
You may be missing certain sounds or experiencing subtle hearing problems that could indicate the need for further assessments or interventions.
3. Helps Measure Future Changes
Every fresh test will analyze recent data together with previous tests. Certain changes take place progressively, and the tests will pinpoint any alterations that might not be obvious to you.
4. Helps Diagnose and Treat Early Problems
Advanced diagnostic tools now monitor changes and their rate of advancement, allowing healthcare professionals to identify and address problems, like excessive earwax build-up or noise-related hearing damage, at an early stage.
5. Identify Health Problems
In some cases hearing loss is a symptom of an intrinsic medical condition like diabetes and high blood pressure (linked to hearing loss and tinnitus), plus cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. You might be able to relieve hearing loss by managing the medical conditions causing it.
6. Prevent Further Damage
If a patient does not receive treatment, they might experience feelings of depression and anxiety in social settings, leading to increased seclusion and worsening of their depression. Seniors with hearing issues can have increased accidents when they don’t hear warning signals like car horns, smoke alarms, and other sounds that mean danger. Furthermore, research has shown a link between neglected hearing loss and an increased risk of developing cognitive decline and experiencing falls.
Finding the Information You’re Looking For
You may have wondered if you’re experiencing some degree of hearing loss. You now have the information you require, including the understanding that hearing aids can have a positive impact on numerous facets of your life, improving not only your ability to hear, but also your connections with loved ones, colleagues, and social circle.
Once your hearing loss is treated with the appropriate hearing aids, you’ll be able to hear more efficiently during discussions or work meetings, or simply listen to your child’s laughter or a loved one’s voice.
Contact us if you want to schedule a hearing test or if you think you are noticing hearing loss.
