Our lives are busy and chaotic – from our jobs to cooking meals to social events. Having your hearing Examined most likely doesn’t seem like something you can find the time to do. And perhaps you don’t even detect any hearing loss – so you believe a hearing test can wait.
You shouldn’t put it off – here’s why:
1. You Can Stop Additional Hearing Loss
Because hearing loss usually advances gradually, many people don’t realize how bad it’s become. As time passes, they begin compensating and making lifestyle changes without recognizing it. In the meantime, they continue to do things which makes their hearing loss worse.
But knowledge is power.
Getting your hearing tested can be eye-opening. You can slow the advancement of hearing loss but there is no way to reverse the damage already done.
It will be helpful to know how to keep your moderate hearing loss from getting worse.
The progression of hearing loss can be slowed by more effectively controlling chronic disease, lowering your blood pressure, and exercising more.
Reducing your exposure to loud sounds and wearing ear protection during loud activities will further protect your inner ears from additional damage.
2. You’re Missing More Than You Know
If you are experiencing moderate hearing loss, you might have slowly forgotten how much you love listening to music. Not needing to ask friends and family to repeat themselves when they talk to you is something you may not even remember.
You may find yourself getting further away from doing your favorite things and spending time with friends.
Getting a hearing examination allows you to assess your level of hearing loss. In most situations, we can help improve your hearing.
3. You May Improve Your Hearing Aid Experience
Perhaps you already use hearing aids but you really don’t like to wear them. You may not think they help very much. Having your hearing re-examined by a hearing specialist will help you discover if you have the best hearing aid for your type and level of hearing loss and whether it’s correctly adjusted.
4. It’s Possible That You’re At Risk Already
Thirteen percent of people 12 and older in the U.S. (30 million people) have measurable hearing loss in both ears. Among adults between the ages of 55 and 64, 8.5 percent are suffering from disabling hearing loss. Environmental factors are commonly to blame. It’s not simply about aging. Exposure to loud noise causes most of it.
If you participate in the following activities, you’re at an increased risk:
- Attend concerts, plays, or movies
- Have a noisy job
- Use a motorized lawnmower
- Turn your headphones or earbuds up too loud
- Shoot firearms
- Ride loud vehicles including a snowmobile, ATV, or motorcycle
Hearing loss can be a consequence of any of these ordinary activities. If you see a decline in your hearing whatever age, you should have your hearing checked by a hearing specialist as soon as possible.
5. Your Over-all Health Will Improve
If you neglect your hearing loss you will have a significantly higher chance of the following:
- Depression
- Alzheimer’s/dementia
- Falls that result in injuries
- Anxiety
- Slow healing or frequent hospital visits
- Social solitude (preferring to be alone)
- Missing or skipping doctor appointments
- Longer treatments in hospitals and rehab
A hearing test is not just about your hearing.
6. Strained Relationships Can be Restored
Untreated hearing loss can try the patience of your family members and friends. It’s more likely for misunderstandings to take place. Individuals will become aggravated with the situation, including you. Bitterness and regret might be the result. Family members and friends might even exclude you from gatherings rather than needing to continuously repeat themselves.
But here’s the good news, getting your hearing checked will help mend stressed relationships and stop misunderstandings from occurring again.