Our lives are busy and hectic – from our jobs to preparing food to social events. It probably seems like there’s never enough time to get your hearing examined. And perhaps you don’t even detect any hearing loss – so you think a hearing test can wait.
You shouldn’t put it off – here’s why:
1. You Can Stop Further Hearing Loss
Many people don’t recognize how serious their hearing loss is becoming because it advances so gradually. Over time, they begin compensating and making lifestyle changes without realizing it. And because they don’t know they have hearing loss, they continue to engage in activities that make their hearing loss worse.
But knowledge is power.
It can be an eye-opener to get your hearing checked. You can slow the advancement of hearing loss but there isn’t any way to reverse the damage already done.
It will be helpful to know how to keep your moderate hearing loss from worsening.
Exercising, lowering your blood pressure, and dealing with chronic diseases more thoroughly can slow hearing loss advancement.
Your ears will be safeguarded from further harm by wearing ear protection when subjected to loud noises and limiting your exposure.
2. You Don’t Even Realize How Much You’re Missing
You might have slowly forgotten your appreciation for music if you’ve been dealing with moderate hearing loss. Not needing to ask friends and family to repeat themselves when they talk to you is something you might not even remember.
You might have slowly distanced yourself from friends or your favorite experiences.
Getting a hearing exam allows you to assess your degree of hearing loss. In most cases, we can help make improvements to your hearing.
3. You Might Make Your Current Hearing Aid Experience Better
Perhaps you already have hearing aids but you really don’t like to use them. You may not feel like it helps your listening experience. Going to a hearing specialist and having your hearing re-examined will guarantee you have the hearing aids that work best for you and that they are set up for your personal listening requirements.
4. You May be at Risk Already
Measurable hearing loss can be detected in both ears in 13% of U.S. citizens (30 million individuals) 12 and up. And debilitating hearing loss is endured by 8.5% of adults 55 to64. Environmental factors are typically to blame. It’s not simply about aging. The majority of it is caused by exposure to loud sound.
If you are involved in the following activities, you’re at an increased risk:
- Mow the lawn
- Attend movies, plays, or concerts
- Turn your headphones or earbuds up too loud
- Have a noisy job
- Shoot firearms
- Ride loud vehicles such as a snowmobile, ATV, or motorcycle
All of these day-to-day activities can cause hearing loss. If you notice a decline in your hearing at any age, you should have your hearing tested by a hearing specialist as soon as possible.
5. Your General Health Will Improve
If you ignore your hearing loss you will have a substantially higher chance of the following:
- Slow healing or frequent hospital admissions
- Longer time spent in hospitals and rehab
- Alzheimer’s/dementia
- Depression
- Falls that result in injuries
- Social isolation (preferring to be alone)
- Missing or skipping doctor appointments
- Anxiety
A hearing test is not only about your hearing.
6. Restore 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 needing to repeat what they said, family and friends might begin to exclude you from get-togethers.
But here’s the good news, having your hearing examined will help repair stressed relationships and prevent misunderstandings from occurring again.
The content of this blog is the intellectual property of MedPB.com and is reprinted here with permission.
The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive a personalized free hearing test and hearing loss consultation, call today to set up an appointment.
