From cooking meals to our jobs to social events – our lives are busy and hectic. Getting your hearing tested probably doesn’t seem like something you can find the time to do. And perhaps you don’t even notice any hearing loss – so you believe a hearing test can wait.
Here’s why you shouldn’t wait:
1. You Can Prevent Additional Hearing Loss
Many individuals don’t recognize how serious their hearing loss is becoming because it advances so slowly. As time passes, they begin compensating and changing their lifestyle without realizing it. And because they don’t realize they have hearing loss, they continue to engage in activities that worsen their hearing loss.
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 experiencing moderate hearing loss, you will want to understand how to stop it from getting worse.
The progression of hearing loss can be slowed by more effectively controlling chronic disease, lowering your blood pressure, and exercising more.
Reducing your exposure to loud sounds and wearing ear protection during noisy activities will further safeguard your inner ears from additional harm.
2. You Don’t Even Know How Much You’re Missing
You may have gradually forgotten your love for music if you’ve been going through moderate hearing loss. Not needing to ask family and friends to repeat themselves when they speak to you is something you may not even recall.
You may find yourself getting further away from doing your favorite things and spending time with friends.
Getting a hearing test lets you measure your degree of hearing loss. In the majority of cases, we can help you hear better.
3. You May Make Your Current Hearing Aid Experience Better
Maybe you already have hearing aids but you really don’t like to use them. You may not feel like it helps your listening experience. Visiting a hearing specialist and getting your hearing re-tested will guarantee you have the hearing aids that work best for you and that they are set up for your personal listening requirements.
4. It’s Possible That You’re At Risk Already
Measurable hearing loss can be found 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 usually the result of environmental factors. It’s not simply something that develops when you get older. The majority of it is caused by exposure to loud noise.
If you take part in the following things, you’re at a greater risk:
- Mow the lawn
- Go to concerts, plays, or concerts
- Shoot guns
- Ride a motorcycle or snowmobile
- Have a loud job
- Turn your headphones or earbuds up too loud
All of these daily activities can cause hearing loss. If you notice a decline in your hearing at any age, you should have your hearing checked by a hearing specialist as soon as you can.
5. Your Over-all Health Will Improve
Individuals with untreated hearing loss have a substantially higher risk of:
- Slow healing or repeated hospital admissions
- Missing or skipping out on doctor appointments
- Depression
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s
- Social isolation (preferring to be alone)
- Falls that cause injuries
- Longer time spent in hospitals and rehab
- Anxiety
Getting your hearing tested is about more than just your hearing.
6. Rebuild Strained Relationships
Untreated hearing loss can test the patience of your friends and family members. Misunderstandings are more common. The situation is irritating for everyone. Regret and resentment can be the outcome. Rather than constantly needing to repeat what they said, family and friends may start to exclude you from get-togethers.
But the good news is, getting your hearing examined will help repair troubled relationships and stop misunderstandings from occurring again.