Our lives are busy and chaotic – from our jobs to cooking meals to social activities. It probably seems like there’s not enough time to have your hearing examined. And maybe you don’t even detect any hearing loss – so you believe a hearing test can wait.
Here’s why you shouldn’t wait:
1. You Can Protect Against Further Hearing Loss
Because hearing loss usually progresses gradually, many people don’t recognize how bad it has become. Over time, they begin compensating and changing their lifestyle without recognizing it. And because they don’t realize they have hearing loss, they continue to engage in activities that worsen their hearing loss.
But knowledge is power.
Getting your hearing examined can be eye-opening. There is no way to reverse any hearing loss you might have already suffered, but you can slow its progression.
If you are experiencing moderate hearing loss, you will want to find out how to keep it from getting worse.
The advancement of hearing loss can be slowed by more effectively controlling chronic disease, reducing your blood pressure, and exercising more.
Your ears will be protected from further harm by using ear protection when subjected to loud noises and limiting your exposure.
2. You’re Missing More Than You Realize
You might have slowly forgotten your appreciation for music if you’ve been going through moderate hearing loss. Not needing to ask friends and family to repeat what they said when they speak to you is something you may not even recall.
You might have slowly distanced yourself from friends or your favorite activities.
You can learn just how much hearing loss you have by getting a hearing test. 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 may not want to use it. You might not think they help very much. Having your hearing re-examined by a hearing specialist will help you find out if you have the right hearing aid for your kind and level of hearing loss and whether it’s effectively adjusted.
4. You Might be at Risk Already
13% of people 12 and older in the U.S. (30 million people) have measurable hearing impairment in both ears. And debilitating hearing loss is experienced by 8.5% of adults between 55 and 64. Environmental factors are usually to blame. It isn’t simply about getting old. The majority of it is caused by exposure to loud noise.
If you take part in the following activities, you’re at a higher risk:
- Have a noisy job
- Listen to loud music or wear earbuds
- Ride a snowmobile or motorcycle
- Mow the lawn
- Go to concerts, plays, or concerts
- Hunt or practice shooting with firearms
Every one of these day to day activities can lead to hearing loss. If you observe a decline in your hearing at any age, you should get your hearing checked by a hearing specialist as soon as you can.
5. It Will Improve Your Overall Health
Individuals with untreated hearing loss have a significantly higher risk of:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Longer time spent in hospitals and rehab
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s
- Falls that result in injuries
- Social isolation (preferring to be alone)
- Missing or skipping doctor appointments
- Slow healing or frequent hospital admissions
Getting your hearing tested is about more than just your hearing.
6. Strained Relationships Can be Restored
Untreated hearing loss can try the patience of your friends and family members. It’s more likely for misunderstandings to happen. People will get irritated with the situation, including you. Regret and resentment can be the result. Rather than constantly needing to repeat themselves, family and friends might start to exclude you from gatherings.
But misunderstandings and troubled relationships can be prevented by getting a hearing assessment and that’s the good news.
