Our lives are busy and hectic – from our jobs to cooking food to social events. It probably seems like there’s never enough time to have your hearing examined. And maybe you don’t even notice any hearing loss – so you think a hearing test can wait.
Here’s why you shouldn’t wait:
1. You Can Stop Further Hearing Loss
Because hearing loss typically progresses gradually, many people don’t realize how bad it has become. Over time, without even noticing it, they start compensating and making changes to their lifestyle. In the meantime, they continue to do things to make their hearing loss worse.
But knowing is half the battle.
Getting your hearing tested can be eye-opening. There is no way to reverse any hearing loss you may have already suffered, but you can slow its progression.
If you are experiencing moderate hearing loss, you will want to know how to keep it from getting worse.
Exercising, decreasing your blood pressure, and managing chronic diseases more effectively can slow hearing loss progression.
Reducing your exposure to loud noises and wearing ear protection during loud activities will further safeguard your inner ears from additional damage.
2. You’re Missing More Than You Know
If you are dealing with 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 speak to you is something you might not even remember.
You might find yourself getting further away from doing your favorite things and spending time with friends.
Having a hearing test lets you assess your degree of hearing loss. In most cases, we can help improve your hearing.
3. You May Enhance Your Hearing Aid Experience
If you already use a hearing aid, you may not want to use it. You may not think they help much. Getting your hearing re-examined by a hearing specialist will help you find out if you have the right hearing aid for your type and degree of hearing loss and whether it’s correctly adjusted.
4. It’s Possible That You’re Already at Risk
Thirteen percent of individuals 12 and older in the U.S. (30 million people) have measurable hearing loss in both ears. And debilitating hearing loss is experienced by 8.5% of adults 55 to64. Hearing loss is typically due to environmental factors. It’s not simply about aging. The majority of it is caused by exposure to loud noise.
Your at an increased risk if you are engaged in any of these activities:
- Have a noisy job
- Turn your headphones or earbuds up too loud
- Shoot firearms
- Go to concerts, plays, or concerts
- Mow the lawn
- Ride a motorcycle or snowmobile
Hearing loss can be triggered by any of these common activities. If you see a decline in your hearing at any age, you should get your hearing tested by a hearing specialist as soon as you can.
5. It Will Benefit Your Overall Health
If you neglect your hearing loss you will have a substantially higher chance of the following:
- Alzheimer’s/dementia
- Falls that cause injuries
- Social isolation (preferring to be alone)
- Slow healing or repeated hospital admissions
- Anxiety
- Longer time spent in hospitals and rehab
- Depression
- Missing or skipping out on doctor appointments
Getting your hearing checked is about more than only your hearing.
6. Tense Relationships Can be Repaired
Neglected hearing loss can try the patience of your family members and friends. Misunderstandings are more likely. The situation is irritating for everyone. Resentment and regret could be the result. Friends and family members may even exclude you from gatherings rather than having to continuously repeat what they said.
But misunderstandings and stressed relationships can be prevented by getting a hearing exam and that’s the good news.
