From cooking meals to our jobs to social activities – our lives are busy and hectic. Having your hearing tested probably doesn’t seem like something you can find the time to do. And maybe you believe it can wait because you don’t recognize you’re afflicted by hearing loss.
You shouldn’t put it off – here’s why:
1. You Can Protect Against Additional Hearing Loss
Many individuals don’t appreciate how severe their hearing loss is becoming because it advances so slowly. Over time, without even realizing it, they start compensating and making changes to their lifestyle. All the while, they continue to do things to make their hearing loss worse.
But knowing is half the battle.
It can be an eye-opener to have your hearing examined. There isn’t any way to undo any hearing loss you might already have, but you can slow its progression.
It will be helpful to find out how to keep your moderate hearing loss from getting worse.
Exercising, reducing your blood pressure, and managing chronic diseases more thoroughly can slow hearing loss advancement.
Reducing your exposure to loud sounds and wearing ear protection during loud activities will further safeguard your inner ears from additional harm.
2. You’re Missing More Than You Realize
You might have gradually forgotten your appreciation for music if you’ve been going through moderate hearing loss. You may not remember what it’s like to have a conversation without asking friends or family members to repeat themselves.
You may find yourself getting further away from doing your favorite things and spending time with friends.
Having a hearing exam allows you to measure your level of hearing loss. In the majority of situations, we can help you hear better.
3. You Might Make Your Current Hearing Aid Experience Better
If you already have a hearing aid, you might not want to wear it. You may not think they help very much. Having your hearing retested by a hearing specialist will help you find out if you have the best hearing aid for your type and level of hearing loss and whether it’s effectively adjusted.
4. It’s Possible That You’re Already at Risk
Thirteen percent of individuals 12 and older in the U.S. (30 million people) have measurable hearing loss in both ears. And debilitating hearing loss is endured by 8.5% of adults 55 to64. Hearing loss is typically due to environmental factors. It’s not simply something that develops when you get older. Exposure to loud noise causes the majority of it.
If you are involved in the following activities, you’re at a greater risk:
- Turn your headphones or earbuds up too loud
- Shoot firearms
- Ride loud vehicles like a snowmobile, ATV, or motorcycle
- Go to plays, movies, and concerts
- Work at a noisy job
- Use a motorized lawnmower
Hearing loss can be triggered by any of these ordinary activities. If you notice a decline in your hearing at any age, you should have your hearing checked by a hearing specialist as soon as possible.
5. Your Over-all Health Will Improve
People with neglected hearing loss have a significantly higher risk of:
- Missing or skipping doctor appointments
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s
- Slow healing or frequent hospital admissions
- Depression
- Social isolation (preferring to be alone)
- Anxiety
- Longer time spent in hospitals and rehab
- Falls that result in injuries
A hearing test is not only about your hearing.
6. Restore Strained Relationships
Friends and family members can lose their patience when dealing with someone who has neglected hearing loss. It’s more common for misunderstandings to happen. The situation is aggravating for everyone. Resentment and regret might be the result. Friends and family members might even exclude you from gatherings rather than needing to constantly repeat what they said.
But misunderstandings and stressed relationships can be prevented by getting a hearing test and that’s the good news.