Have Your Hearing Examined For These 6 Reasons

Woman getting a hearing test to protect her hearing health.

From cooking meals to our jobs to social activities – our lives are busy and chaotic. It most likely seems like there’s not enough time to get your hearing tested. And perhaps you believe it can wait because you don’t recognize you’re experiencing hearing loss.

You shouldn’t put it off – here’s why:

1. Further Hearing Loss Can be Avoided

Because hearing loss typically advances gradually, many people don’t recognize how bad it has become. After a while, without even noticing it, they begin compensating and changing their lifestyle. All the while, they continue to do things to make their hearing loss worse.

But knowledge is power.

Having your hearing examined can be eye-opening. You can slow the advancement of hearing loss but there isn’t any way to undo the damage already done.

If you are suffering from moderate hearing loss, you will want to know how to keep it from getting worse.

Exercising, reducing your blood pressure, and dealing with chronic diseases more thoroughly can slow hearing loss advancement.

Your ears will be protected from further harm by wearing ear protection when exposed to loud sounds and reducing your exposure.

2. You’re Missing More Than You Realize

You may have gradually forgotten your appreciation for music if you’ve been dealing with moderate hearing loss. 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 evaluate your degree of hearing loss. In the majority of situations, 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 wear them. You might not think they help much. Having your hearing re-examined by a hearing specialist will help you find out if you have the right hearing aid for your type and degree of hearing loss and whether it’s properly adjusted.

4. You Could be at Risk Already

13% of individuals 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 suffering from disabling hearing loss. Environmental factors are usually to blame. It’s not simply about aging. The majority of it is caused by exposure to loud sound.

Your at an increased danger if you are engaged in any of these activities:

  • Turn your headphones or earbuds up too loud
  • Go to plays, movies, and concerts
  • Work at a loud job
  • Mow the lawn
  • Shoot firearms
  • Ride loud vehicles including a snowmobile, ATV, or motorcycle

Hearing loss can be caused by any of these common activities. If you observe a decline in your hearing at any age, you should have your hearing checked by a hearing specialist as soon as you can.

5. It Will Benefit Your Overall Health

Individuals with untreated hearing loss have a substantially higher risk of:

  • Dementia/Alzheimer’s
  • Slow healing or repeated hospital visits
  • Longer time spent in hospitals and rehab
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Social isolation (preferring to be alone)
  • Missing or skipping out on doctor appointments
  • Falls that cause injuries

A hearing test is not just about your hearing.

6. Strained Relationships Can be Restored

Untreated hearing loss can test the patience of your family members and friends. Misunderstandings are more likely. Individuals will get aggravated with the situation, including you. Regret and bitterness can be the outcome. Friends and family members may even exclude you from get-togethers rather than needing to continuously repeat themselves.

But here’s the good news, getting your hearing tested will help restore troubled relationships and stop misunderstandings from occurring again.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.

Questions?