From preparing meals to our jobs to social activities – our lives are busy and hectic. It most likely seems like there’s not 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.
You shouldn’t put it off – here’s why:
1. Additional Hearing Loss Can be Prevented
Because hearing loss often advances gradually, many people don’t realize how bad it has become. As time passes, they start compensating and changing their lifestyle without knowing it. And because they don’t know they have hearing loss, they continue to engage in activities that 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 undo any hearing loss you might have already suffered, but you can slow its progression.
If you are suffering from moderate hearing loss, you will want to know how to stop it from getting worse.
The progression of hearing loss can be slowed by more effectively controlling chronic disease, decreasing your blood pressure, and exercising more.
Reducing your exposure to loud noises and wearing ear protection during noisy activities will further safeguard your inner ears from additional harm.
2. You’re Missing More Than You Realize
If you are experiencing moderate hearing loss, you might have gradually forgotten how much you love listening to music. Not needing to ask family and friends to repeat what they said when they speak to you is something you might not even recall.
You might find yourself getting further away from doing your favorite things and spending time with friends.
Getting a hearing examination lets you evaluate your degree of hearing loss. In the majority of situations, we can help you hear better.
3. You Might Make Your Current Hearing Aid Experience Better
Maybe you already have hearing aids but you really don’t like to wear them. You may not think they help very much. Visiting a hearing specialist and having 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 May be at Risk Already
Among adults between the ages of 55 and 64, 8.5 percent are suffering from disabling hearing loss. Hearing loss is typically the result of environmental factors. It’s not just something that happens when you get older. Most of it is caused by exposure to loud noise.
If you take part in the following things, you’re at a greater risk:
- Attend movies, plays, or concerts
- Mow the lawn
- Ride loud vehicles like a snowmobile, ATV, or motorcycle
- Have a noisy job
- Hunt or target shoot with firearms
- Turn your headphones or earbuds up too loud
Hearing loss can be brought on by any of these ordinary activities. You need to go have your hearing checked by a hearing professional as soon as you can if you detect a decline in your ability to hear regardless of how old you are.
5. It Will Improve Your Total Health
If you ignore your hearing loss you will have a significantly higher chance of the following:
- Falls that result in injuries
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Slow healing or frequent hospital admissions
- Alzheimer’s/dementia
- Longer treatments in hospitals and rehab
- Social solitude (preferring to be alone)
- Missing or skipping doctor appointments
A hearing test is not only about your hearing.
6. Repair Tense Relationships
Friends and family members can lose their patience when addressing somebody who has neglected hearing loss. Misunderstandings are more common. Everyone will get frustrated with the situation, including you. Regret and resentment can be the result. Rather than constantly having to repeat what they said, family and friends might begin to exclude you from gatherings.
But misunderstandings and stressed relationships can be prevented by getting a hearing exam and that’s the good news.