Our lives are busy and chaotic – from our jobs to preparing meals to social events. It most likely seems like there’s not enough time to get your hearing examined. And maybe you think it can wait because you don’t recognize you’re experiencing hearing loss.
You shouldn’t put it off – here’s why:
1. You Can Protect Against Additional Hearing Loss
Many people don’t appreciate how serious their hearing loss is becoming because it advances so gradually. After a while, without even realizing it, they begin compensating and changing their lifestyle. And because they don’t recognize they have hearing loss, they continue to engage in activities that worsen their hearing loss.
But knowledge is power.
Getting your hearing examined can be eye-opening. There is no way to undo any hearing loss you might already have, but you can slow its progression.
If you are experiencing moderate hearing loss, you will want to find out how to stop it from getting worse.
The advancement of hearing loss can be slowed by more effectively managing chronic disease, decreasing your blood pressure, and exercising more.
Your ears will be protected from further damage by wearing ear protection when exposed to loud noises and reducing your exposure.
2. You Don’t Even Know How Much You’re Missing
You may have gradually forgotten your appreciation for music if you’ve been going through moderate hearing loss. Not needing to ask family and friends to repeat what they said when they speak to you is something you might not even remember.
You might find yourself getting further away from doing your favorite things and spending time with friends.
Having a hearing examination lets you evaluate your level of hearing loss. In most situations, we can help make improvements to your hearing.
3. You May Improve Your Hearing Aid Experience
If you already have a hearing aid, you may not want to wear it. You might not think they help very much. Getting your hearing re-examined by a hearing specialist will help you find out if you have the right hearing aid for your kind and level of hearing loss and whether it’s correctly adjusted.
4. It’s Possible That You’re At Risk Already
13% of individuals 12 and older in the U.S. (30 million people) have measurable hearing impairment in both ears. 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 isn’t simply something that occurs when you get older. Most of it is caused by exposure to loud sound.
If you take part in the following things, you’re at an increased risk:
- Listen to loud music or use earbuds
- Go to plays, movies, and concerts
- Work at a noisy job
- Mow the lawn
- Shoot guns
- Ride a motorcycle or snowmobile
All of these everyday activities can trigger hearing loss. You need to go have your hearing checked by a hearing professional as soon as you can if you detect a decline in your ability to hear regardless of what your age is.
5. It Will Benefit Your Overall Health
People with untreated hearing loss have a significantly higher chance of:
- Anxiety
- Slow healing or repeated hospital visits
- Longer time spent in hospitals and rehab
- Social isolation (preferring to be alone)
- Depression
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s
- Missing or skipping out on doctor appointments
- Falls that cause injuries
A hearing test is not only about your hearing.
6. Repair Strained Relationships
Friends and family members can lose their patience when addressing somebody who has ignored their hearing loss. Misunderstandings are more common. The situation is aggravating for everybody. Regret and resentment can be the result. Rather than constantly needing to repeat what they said, family and friends might start to exclude you from gatherings.
But the good news is, getting your hearing tested will help mend stressed relationships and stop misunderstandings from happening again.