Our lives are busy and hectic – from our jobs to preparing meals to social events. It most likely seems like there’s not enough time to get your hearing examined. And maybe you don’t even recognize any hearing loss – so you believe a hearing test can wait.
Here’s why you shouldn’t wait:
1. Further Hearing Loss Can be Prevented
Many individuals don’t recognize how severe their hearing loss is becoming because it advances so slowly. As time passes, they begin compensating and making lifestyle changes without knowing it. All the while, they continue to do things to make their hearing loss worse.
But knowing is half the battle.
Getting your hearing examined can be eye-opening. There isn’t any way to reverse any hearing loss you may have already suffered, but you can slow its advancement.
It will be helpful to find out how to keep your moderate hearing loss from worsening.
The advancement of hearing loss can be slowed by more effectively managing chronic disease, lowering your blood pressure, and exercising more.
Limiting your exposure to loud sounds and wearing ear protection during loud activities will further protect your inner ears from additional harm.
2. You’re Missing More Than You Know
If you are dealing with moderate hearing loss, you might have slowly forgotten how much you enjoy listening to music. You may not remember what it’s like to have a conversation without asking family or friends to repeat themselves.
You may have slowly distanced yourself from friends or your favorite activities.
Having a hearing examination allows you to assess your degree of hearing loss. In most instances, we can help make improvements to your hearing.
3. You Might Improve Your Hearing Aid Experience
Perhaps you already use hearing aids but you really don’t like to wear them. You might not feel like it enhances your listening experience. Getting your hearing retested by a hearing specialist will help you discover if you have the right hearing aid for your kind and level of hearing loss and whether it’s effectively adjusted.
4. It’s Possible That You’re At Risk Already
Measurable hearing loss can be found in both ears in 13% of U.S. citizens (30 million people) 12 and older. And debilitating hearing loss is experienced by 8.5% of adults 55 to64. Environmental factors are typically to blame. It isn’t simply about aging. Exposure to loud noise causes the majority of it.
Your at an elevated risk if you are involved in any of these activities:
- Work at a noisy job
- Go to concerts, plays, or concerts
- Shoot guns
- Listen to loud music or wear earbuds
- Ride loud vehicles such as a snowmobile, ATV, or motorcycle
- Mow the lawn
Hearing loss can be a consequence of any of these common activities. You need to go have your hearing examined by a hearing professional as soon as possible if you notice a decline in your ability to hear regardless of how old you are.
5. Your General Health Will Improve
People with untreated hearing loss have a significantly higher chance of:
- Social isolation (preferring to be alone)
- Alzheimer’s/dementia
- Missing or skipping out on doctor appointments
- Falls that cause injuries
- Anxiety
- Slow healing or frequent hospital admissions
- Depression
- Longer time spent in hospitals and rehab
A hearing test is not only about your hearing.
6. Tense Relationships Can be Restored
Neglected hearing loss can test the patience of your friends and family members. Misunderstandings are more likely. People will get aggravated with the situation, including you. Bitterness and regret might follow. Friends and family members might even exclude you from gatherings versus needing to continuously repeat what they said.
But misunderstandings and stressed relationships can be prevented by getting a hearing assessment and that’s the good news.
