Our lives are busy and hectic – from our jobs to cooking food to social events. It probably seems like there’s not enough time to get your hearing tested. And perhaps you don’t even notice any hearing loss – so you believe a hearing test can wait.
You shouldn’t wait – here’s why:
1. Additional Hearing Loss Can be Avoided
Many people don’t recognize how severe their hearing loss is becoming because it progresses so slowly. After a while, without even realizing it, they start compensating and making changes to their lifestyle. All the while, they continue to do things which makes their hearing loss worse.
But knowing is half the battle.
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 learn how to keep your moderate hearing loss from worsening.
The progression of hearing loss can be slowed by more efficiently managing chronic disease, decreasing your blood pressure, and exercising more.
Your ears will be protected from further damage by wearing ear protection when exposed to loud noises and limiting your exposure.
2. You Don’t Even Know How Much You’re Missing
You may have slowly forgotten your appreciation for music if you’ve been going through moderate hearing loss. You might not remember what it’s like to have a discussion without asking friends or family members to repeat themselves.
You might find yourself getting further away from doing your favorite things and spending time with friends.
Getting a hearing test lets you measure your level of hearing loss. In the majority of situations, we can help you hear better.
3. You Might Make Your Current Hearing Aid Experience Better
If you already have a hearing aid, you might not want to wear it. You may not think they help much. Visiting a hearing specialist and getting your hearing re-tested will guarantee you have the hearing aids that work best for you and that they’re adjusted for your individual listening needs.
4. You Could be at Risk Already
Thirteen percent of individuals 12 and older in the U.S. (30 million people) have measurable hearing impairment in both ears. Among adults ages 55 to 64, 8.5% are suffering from disabling hearing loss. Environmental factors are typically to blame. It isn’t just something that happens when you get older. The majority of it is caused by exposure to loud noise.
If you participate in the following things, you’re at an increased risk:
- Go to plays, movies, and concerts
- Use a motorized lawnmower
- Ride a snowmobile or motorcycle
- Shoot firearms
- Have a loud job
- Listen to loud music or use earbuds
Hearing loss can be triggered by any of these common activities. You need to go have your hearing checked by a hearing professional as soon as you can if you notice a decline in your ability to hear regardless of what your age is.
5. Your Over-all Health Will Improve
Individuals with untreated hearing loss have a substantially higher chance of:
- Falls that result in injuries
- Longer time spent in hospitals and rehab
- Anxiety
- Missing or skipping out on doctor appointments
- Slow healing or frequent hospital visits
- Social solitude (preferring to be alone)
- Depression
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s
Having your hearing checked is about more than only your hearing.
6. Tense Relationships Can be Repaired
Friends and family members can lose their patience when dealing with a person who has neglected hearing loss. Misunderstandings are more common. The situation is irritating for everyone. Resentment and regret could follow. Friends and family members might even exclude you from get-togethers rather than having to constantly repeat what they said.
But misunderstandings and troubled relationships can be prevented by getting a hearing assessment and that’s the good news.