Our lives are busy and hectic – from our jobs to preparing food to social events. It probably seems like there’s not enough time to have your hearing checked. And perhaps you don’t even detect any hearing loss – so you believe a hearing test can wait.
Here’s why you shouldn’t put it off:
1. You Can Prevent Additional Hearing Loss
Because hearing loss usually progresses gradually, many people don’t recognize how bad it has become. After a while, without even realizing it, they begin 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.
Having your hearing examined can be eye-opening. There isn’t any 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 keep it from getting worse.
Exercising, lowering your blood pressure, and managing chronic diseases more effectively can slow hearing loss progression.
Your ears will be safeguarded from further harm by using ear protection when exposed to loud sounds and limiting your exposure.
2. You Don’t Even Realize How Much You’re Missing
If you are dealing with moderate hearing loss, you may have slowly forgotten how much you enjoy listening to music. Not needing to ask friends and family to repeat themselves when they speak to you is something you might not even recall.
You might find yourself getting further away from doing your favorite activities and spending time with friends.
You can determine just how much hearing loss you have by getting a hearing test. In the majority of cases, we can help you hear better.
3. You Might Improve Your Hearing Aid Experience
If you already use a hearing aid, you may not want to wear it. You might not feel like it enhances your listening experience. Visiting a hearing specialist and having your hearing re-checked will guarantee you have the hearing aids that work best for you and that they are adjusted for your personal listening requirements.
4. You May be at Risk Already
Measurable hearing loss can be found in both ears in 13% of U.S. citizens (30 million individuals) 12 and older. And debilitating hearing loss is experienced by 8.5% of adults 55 to64. Hearing loss is typically caused by environmental factors. It’s not just something that happens when you get older. The majority of it is caused by exposure to loud sound.
If you are involved in the following things, you’re at a greater risk:
- Ride loud vehicles such as a snowmobile, ATV, or motorcycle
- Go to plays, movies, and concerts
- Hunt or practice shooting with firearms
- Use a motorized lawnmower
- Turn your headphones or earbuds up too loud
- Work at a noisy job
Hearing loss can be triggered by any of these common activities. 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 significantly higher chance of the following:
- Slow healing or repeated hospital admissions
- Social isolation (preferring to be alone)
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s
- Depression
- Falls that result in injuries
- Longer time spent in hospitals and rehab
- Anxiety
- Missing or skipping doctor appointments
A hearing test is not just about your hearing.
6. Strained Relationships Can be Repaired
Neglected hearing loss can test the patience of your friends and family members. Misunderstandings are more common. Individuals will get frustrated with the situation, including you. Regret and resentment can be the outcome. Friends and family members may even exclude you from get-togethers rather than needing to constantly repeat themselves.
But misunderstandings and troubled relationships can be prevented by getting a hearing assessment and that’s the good news.