Our lives are busy and chaotic – from our jobs to cooking meals to social events. It probably 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.
Here’s why you shouldn’t wait:
1. Additional Hearing Loss Can be Avoided
Because hearing loss typically progresses slowly, many individuals don’t recognize how bad it has become. After a while, without even realizing it, they begin compensating and making changes to their lifestyle. All the while, they continue to do things which makes their hearing loss worse.
But knowledge is power.
Getting your hearing examined can be eye-opening. There is no way to undo any hearing loss you may have already suffered, but you can slow its progression.
It will be helpful to find out how to keep your moderate hearing loss from getting worse.
The advancement of hearing loss can be slowed by more efficiently managing chronic disease, decreasing your blood pressure, and exercising more.
Reducing your exposure to loud noises and wearing ear protection during noisy activities will further protect your inner ears from additional damage.
2. You’re Missing More Than You Realize
If you are experiencing moderate hearing loss, you may have slowly forgotten how much you love listening to music. Not needing to ask family and friends to repeat what they said when they talk 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.
You can determine just how much hearing loss you have by getting a hearing assessment. In most instances, we can help improve your hearing.
3. You Might Improve Your Hearing Aid Experience
If you already use a hearing aid, you may not want to use it. You may not think they help much. Having your hearing re-examined by a hearing specialist will help you learn if you have the correct hearing aid for your type and degree of hearing loss and whether it’s properly adjusted.
4. You May be at Risk Already
And debilitating hearing loss is experienced by 8.5% of adults between 55 and 64. Hearing loss is typically the result of environmental factors. It’s not simply about aging. The majority of it is caused by exposure to loud noise.
If you are involved in the following things, you’re at an increased risk:
- Ride a snowmobile or motorcycle
- Go to concerts, plays, or concerts
- Work at a noisy job
- Mow the lawn
- Turn your headphones or earbuds up too loud
- Hunt or target shoot with firearms
All of these everyday activities can lead to hearing loss. You need to go have your hearing checked by a hearing professional as soon as possible if you notice a decline in your ability to hear regardless of what your age is.
5. Your Over-all Health Will Improve
Individuals with neglected hearing loss have a significantly higher chance of:
- Longer treatments in hospitals and rehab
- Missing or skipping doctor appointments
- Depression
- Social isolation (preferring to be alone)
- Slow healing or frequent hospital admissions
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s
- Anxiety
- Falls that cause injuries
A hearing test is not just about your hearing.
6. Restore Tense Relationships
Friends and family members can lose their patience when dealing with someone who has neglected hearing loss. It’s more likely for misunderstandings to occur. The situation is irritating for everybody. Regret and resentment can be the result. Rather than constantly having to repeat what they said, friends and family might begin to exclude you from get-togethers.
But misunderstandings and troubled relationships can be prevented by getting a hearing exam and that’s the good news.