Our lives are busy and hectic – from our jobs to preparing food to social activities. It most likely seems like there’s not enough time to have your hearing tested. And maybe you believe it can wait because you don’t believe you’re afflicted by hearing loss.
You shouldn’t put it off – here’s why:
1. You Can Protect Against Additional Hearing Loss
Because hearing loss typically progresses slowly, many individuals don’t grasp how bad it’s become. Over time, without even noticing it, they begin compensating and changing their lifestyle. And because they don’t realize they have hearing loss, they keep engaging in activities that worsen their hearing loss.
But knowledge is power.
It can be an eye-opener to have your hearing tested. You can slow the progression of hearing loss but there is no way to reverse the damage already done.
If you are experiencing moderate hearing loss, you will want to know how to stop it from getting worse.
Exercising, lowering your blood pressure, and managing chronic diseases more effectively can slow hearing loss advancement.
Reducing your exposure to loud noises and wearing earplugs during noisy activities will further protect your inner ears from additional harm.
2. You Don’t Even Know How Much You’re Missing
If you are dealing with moderate hearing loss, you might have slowly forgotten how much you love listening to music. You might not recall 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 activities and spending time with friends.
Having a hearing exam allows you to evaluate your degree of hearing loss. In the majority of cases, we can help you hear better.
3. You Might Enhance Your Hearing Aid Experience
Maybe you already have hearing aids but you really don’t like to wear them. You might not think they help much. Going to a hearing specialist and getting your hearing re-checked will ensure you have the hearing aids that work best for you and that they’re set up for your individual listening requirements.
4. It’s Possible That You’re Already at Risk
Measurable hearing loss can be found in both ears in 13% of U.S. citizens (30 million people) 12 and older. And debilitating hearing loss is experienced by 8.5% of adults 55 to64. Environmental factors are typically to blame. It isn’t simply about getting old. Exposure to loud noise causes most of it.
If you take part in the following things, you’re at an increased risk:
- Use a motorized lawnmower
- Attend concerts, plays, or movies
- Ride a motorcycle or snowmobile
- Turn your headphones or earbuds up too loud
- Shoot guns
- Work at a loud job
Hearing loss can be a consequence of any of these common activities. You need to go have your hearing tested 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. Your General Health Will Improve
If you ignore your hearing loss you will have a considerably higher risk of the following:
- Alzheimer’s/dementia
- Depression
- Missing or skipping out on doctor appointments
- Social solitude (preferring to be alone)
- Longer time spent in hospitals and rehab
- Anxiety
- Slow healing or repeated hospital admissions
- Falls that result in injuries
Having your hearing examined is about more than only your hearing.
6. Strained Relationships Can be Restored
Untreated hearing loss can test the patience of your family members and friends. It’s more common for misunderstandings to take place. Individuals will get frustrated with the situation, including you. Regret and resentment can be the outcome. Family members and friends may even exclude you from get-togethers rather than needing to constantly repeat themselves.
But misunderstandings and stressed relationships can be prevented by getting a hearing assessment and that’s the good news.