From cooking meals to our jobs to social activities – our lives are busy and chaotic. It most likely seems like there’s never enough time to have your hearing examined. And perhaps you don’t even recognize any hearing loss – so you believe a hearing test can wait.
Here’s why you shouldn’t wait:
1. You Can Stop Further Hearing Loss
Many people don’t recognize how serious their hearing loss is becoming because it progresses so slowly. Over time, they begin compensating and changing their lifestyle without realizing it. All the while, they continue to do things to make their hearing loss worse.
But knowing is half the battle.
It can be an eye-opener to have your hearing checked. There is no way to reverse any hearing loss you may already have, but you can slow its advancement.
If you are suffering from moderate hearing loss, you will want to find out how to stop it from getting worse.
Exercising, lowering your blood pressure, and managing chronic diseases more effectively can slow hearing loss advancement.
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 Realize
If you are experiencing moderate hearing loss, you might have slowly forgotten how much you love listening to music. You might not recall what it’s like to have a discussion without asking family or friends to repeat themselves.
You might have slowly distanced yourself from friends or your favorite experiences.
You can figure out just how much hearing loss you have by getting a hearing assessment. In the majority of situations, we can help you hear better.
3. You May Make Your Current Hearing Aid Experience Better
If you already use a hearing aid, you may not want to use it. You might not feel like it helps your listening experience. Going to a hearing specialist and getting your hearing re-evaluated will guarantee you have the hearing aids that work best for you and that they’re adjusted for your personal listening requirements.
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 between the ages of 55 and 64, 8.5% are experiencing disabling hearing loss. Hearing loss is typically due to environmental factors. It isn’t simply about aging. Exposure to loud noise causes the majority of it.
If you take part in the following activities, you’re at an increased risk:
- Shoot firearms
- Work at a noisy job
- Turn your headphones or earbuds up too loud
- Ride loud vehicles like a snowmobile, ATV, or motorcycle
- Go to concerts, plays, or concerts
- Use a motorized lawnmower
Every one of these daily activities can lead to hearing loss. You need to go have your hearing tested by a hearing professional as soon as possible if you detect a decline in your ability to hear regardless of how old you are.
5. Your Over-all Health Will Improve
People with untreated hearing loss have a substantially higher chance of:
- Falls that result in injuries
- Anxiety
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s
- Social solitude (preferring to be alone)
- Depression
- Slow healing or frequent hospital admissions
- Longer time spent in hospitals and rehab
- Missing or skipping doctor appointments
A hearing test is not only about your hearing.
6. Strained Relationships Can be Restored
Untreated hearing loss can test the patience of your friends and family members. Misunderstandings are more common. Individuals will become irritated with the situation, including you. Regret and resentment can be the result. Friends and family members might even exclude you from get-togethers versus having 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.
