From preparing meals to our jobs to social activities – our lives are busy and chaotic. It probably seems like there’s never enough time to have your hearing tested. And maybe 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. Further Hearing Loss Can be Avoided
Many individuals don’t recognize how serious their hearing loss is becoming because it advances so gradually. As time passes, they start compensating and changing their lifestyle without recognizing it. And because they don’t realize they have hearing loss, they keep engaging in activities that worsen their hearing loss.
But knowing is half the battle.
Having your hearing examined can be eye-opening. There is no way to undo any hearing loss you might have already suffered, but you can slow its progression.
It will be helpful to find out how to keep your moderate hearing loss from worsening.
Exercising, reducing your blood pressure, and managing chronic diseases more thoroughly can slow hearing loss progression.
Reducing your exposure to loud noises and wearing earplugs during loud activities will further protect your inner ears from additional damage.
2. You Don’t Even Know How Much You’re Missing
You may have gradually forgotten your appreciation for music if you’ve been dealing with moderate hearing loss. You may 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.
Having a hearing exam lets you evaluate your level of hearing loss. In most cases, we can help improve your hearing.
3. You Might Make Your Current Hearing Aid Experience Better
Perhaps you already use hearing aids but you really don’t like to use them. You might not think they help very much. Visiting 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 set up for your individual listening needs.
4. It’s Possible That You’re Already at Risk
Measurable hearing loss can be detected in both ears in 13% of U.S. citizens (30 million people) 12 and up. Among adults ages 55 to 64, 8.5% are experiencing disabling hearing loss. Hearing loss is typically the result of environmental factors. It’s not simply something that develops when you get older. Exposure to loud sound causes the majority of it.
If you participate in the following activities, you’re at a greater risk:
- Attend plays, concerts, movies
- Have a loud job
- Mow the lawn
- Turn your headphones or earbuds up too loud
- Shoot guns
- Ride a snowmobile or motorcycle
All of these everyday activities can cause hearing loss. If you see a decline in your hearing whatever age, you should get your hearing checked by a hearing specialist as soon as you can.
5. Your Over-all Health Will Improve
If you ignore your hearing loss you will have a considerably higher chance of the following:
- Slow healing or repeated hospital admissions
- Missing or skipping doctor appointments
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Social isolation (preferring to be alone)
- Falls that cause injuries
- Alzheimer’s/dementia
- Longer time spent in hospitals and rehab
Getting your hearing checked is about more than just your hearing.
6. Strained Relationships Can be Restored
Friends and family members can lose their patience when dealing with somebody who has neglected hearing loss. Misunderstandings are more common. People will get irritated with the situation, including you. Resentment and regret could follow. Family members and friends might even exclude you from get-togethers rather than having to continuously repeat themselves.
But misunderstandings and stressed relationships can be prevented by getting a hearing assessment and that’s the good news.
