Our lives are busy and chaotic – from our jobs to preparing meals to social activities. It most likely seems like there’s not enough time to have your hearing examined. And maybe you don’t even detect any hearing loss – so you believe a hearing test can wait.
Here’s why you shouldn’t put it off:
1. You Can Prevent Additional Hearing Loss
Many people don’t appreciate how serious their hearing loss is becoming because it progresses so slowly. Over time, they start compensating and making lifestyle changes without realizing it. And because they don’t know they have hearing loss, they continue to engage in activities that make their hearing loss worse.
But knowing is half the battle.
Getting your hearing tested can be eye-opening. You can slow the advancement of hearing loss but there is no way to undo the damage already done.
It will be helpful to learn how to keep your moderate hearing loss from worsening.
Exercising, lowering your blood pressure, and managing chronic diseases more thoroughly can slow hearing loss advancement.
Your ears will be protected from further damage by wearing ear protection when subjected to loud sounds and limiting your exposure.
2. You’re Missing More Than You Know
If you are experiencing moderate hearing loss, you might have gradually forgotten how much you enjoy listening to music. You may not recall what it’s like to have a discussion without asking friends or family members to repeat themselves.
You might have slowly distanced yourself from friends or your favorite activities.
Having a hearing examination lets you assess your level of hearing loss. In most cases, we can help make improvements to your hearing.
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 much. Having your hearing re-examined by a hearing specialist will help you learn if you have the best hearing aid for your type and degree of hearing loss and whether it’s effectively adjusted.
4. You Could be at Risk Already
13% of people 12 and older in the U.S. (30 million people) have measurable hearing loss in both ears. Among adults between the ages of 55 and 64, 8.5 percent are experiencing disabling hearing loss. Hearing loss is commonly caused by environmental factors. It isn’t simply about aging. The majority of it is caused by exposure to loud noise.
Your at a greater risk if you are engaged in any of these activities:
- Use a motorized lawnmower
- Ride a snowmobile or motorcycle
- Hunt or practice shooting with firearms
- Attend concerts, plays, or movies
- Listen to loud music or use earbuds
- Work at a loud job
Hearing loss can be caused by any of these common activities. If you observe a decline in your hearing whatever age, you should have your hearing tested by a hearing specialist as soon as you can.
5. It Will Improve Your Overall Health
If you ignore your hearing loss you will have a substantially higher risk of the following:
- Slow healing or repeated hospital visits
- Missing or skipping doctor appointments
- Depression
- Social isolation (preferring to be alone)
- Longer time spent in hospitals and rehab
- Falls that cause injuries
- Anxiety
- Alzheimer’s/dementia
A hearing test is not just about your hearing.
6. Rebuild Tense Relationships
Untreated hearing loss can test the patience of your family members and friends. It’s more common for misunderstandings to take place. The situation is frustrating for everyone. Resentment and regret may follow. Rather than constantly having to repeat what they said, family and friends may begin to exclude you from get-togethers.
But misunderstandings and stressed relationships can be prevented by getting a hearing exam and that’s the good news.
