From preparing meals to our jobs to social events – our lives are busy and chaotic. It probably seems like there’s not enough time to get your hearing checked. 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 Protect Against Further Hearing Loss
Because hearing loss normally advances gradually, many people don’t grasp how bad it’s become. After a while, without even noticing it, they begin compensating and changing their lifestyle. And because they don’t know they have hearing loss, they keep engaging in activities that make their hearing loss worse.
But knowing is half the battle.
Having your hearing tested can be eye-opening. You can slow the progression of hearing loss but there isn’t any way to undo the damage already done.
It will be helpful to learn how to keep your moderate hearing loss from worsening.
Exercising, reducing your blood pressure, and managing chronic diseases more effectively can slow hearing loss progression.
Your ears will be protected from further damage by using ear protection when subjected to loud sounds and limiting your exposure.
2. You’re Missing More Than You Know
You might have gradually forgotten your appreciation for music if you’ve been experiencing moderate hearing loss. You might not recall what it’s like to have a discussion without asking family or friends to repeat themselves.
You might find yourself getting further away from doing your favorite things and spending time with friends.
Having a hearing examination lets you evaluate your level of hearing loss. In most instances, we can help improve your hearing.
3. You May Enhance Your Hearing Aid Experience
If you already have a hearing aid, you might not want to wear it. You might not think they help very much. Getting your hearing re-examined by a hearing specialist will help you discover if you have the best hearing aid for your type and level of hearing loss and whether it’s correctly adjusted.
4. You Could be at Risk Already
Measurable hearing loss can be detected in both ears in 13% of U.S. citizens (30 million people) 12 and up. And debilitating hearing loss is endured by 8.5% of adults between 55 and 64. Hearing loss is commonly due to environmental factors. It isn’t simply about aging. The majority of it is caused by exposure to loud sound.
If you are involved in the following things, you’re at an increased risk:
- Go to concerts, plays, or concerts
- Have a noisy job
- Mow the lawn
- Listen to loud music or wear earbuds
- Hunt or target shoot with firearms
- Ride loud vehicles like a snowmobile, ATV, or motorcycle
Hearing loss can be triggered by any of these common activities. You need to go have your hearing examined by a hearing professional as soon as you can if you notice a decline in your ability to hear regardless of how old you are.
5. It Will Improve Your Overall Health
If you neglect your hearing loss you will have a significantly higher chance of the following:
- Longer time spent in hospitals and rehab
- Depression
- Falls that result in injuries
- Alzheimer’s/dementia
- Missing or skipping doctor appointments
- Slow healing or repeated hospital visits
- Anxiety
- Social isolation (preferring to be alone)
Having your hearing checked is about more than only your hearing.
6. Repair Strained Relationships
Friends and family members can lose their patience when addressing a person who has ignored their hearing loss. It’s more likely for misunderstandings to happen. The situation is irritating for everybody. Regret and bitterness can be the outcome. Family members and friends might even exclude you from get-togethers versus having to constantly repeat themselves.
But the good news is, having your hearing examined will help mend troubled relationships and stop misunderstandings from happening again.