Our lives are busy and hectic – from our jobs to preparing food to social activities. Having your hearing tested most likely doesn’t seem like something you can find the time to do. And perhaps you think it can wait because you don’t believe you’re afflicted by hearing loss.
You shouldn’t put it off – here’s why:
1. Further Hearing Loss Can be Avoided
Because hearing loss usually progresses slowly, many people don’t realize how bad it’s become. As time passes, they begin compensating and making lifestyle changes without knowing it. And because they don’t realize they have hearing loss, they continue to engage in activities that make their hearing loss worse.
But knowing is half the battle.
Having your hearing examined can be eye-opening. You can slow the progression 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, decreasing your blood pressure, and managing chronic diseases more thoroughly can slow hearing loss progression.
Reducing your exposure to loud noises and wearing earplugs during loud activities will further safeguard your inner ears from additional harm.
2. You Don’t Even Realize How Much You’re Missing
You might have slowly forgotten your love for music if you’ve been experiencing moderate hearing loss. You may not remember what it’s like to have a discussion without asking family or friends to repeat themselves.
You may find yourself getting further away from doing your favorite activities and spending time with friends.
You can determine just how much hearing loss you have by getting a hearing exam. In the majority of situations, we can help you hear better.
3. You Might Make Your Current Hearing Aid Experience Better
Maybe you already have hearing aids but you really don’t like to use them. You may not think they help very much. Having your hearing retested by a hearing specialist will help you learn if you have the right hearing aid for your type and degree of hearing loss and whether it’s effectively adjusted.
4. You Might be at Risk Already
And debilitating hearing loss is experienced by 8.5% of adults 55 to64. Environmental factors are typically to blame. It’s not just something that occurs when you get older. Most of it is caused by exposure to loud noise.
If you participate in the following activities, you’re at a higher risk:
- Mow the lawn
- Listen to loud music or wear earbuds
- Shoot firearms
- Attend plays, concerts, movies
- Ride a motorcycle or snowmobile
- Work at a loud job
All of these everyday activities can cause hearing loss. If you see a decline in your hearing at any age, you should have your hearing checked by a hearing specialist as soon as you can.
5. Your General Health Will Improve
Individuals with neglected hearing loss have a significantly higher chance of:
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s
- Falls that result in injuries
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Social solitude (preferring to be alone)
- Longer treatments in hospitals and rehab
- Slow healing or frequent hospital admissions
- Missing or skipping out on doctor appointments
A hearing test is not just about your hearing.
6. Rebuild Tense 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. Everyone will get frustrated with the situation, including you. Regret and bitterness can be the result. Family members and friends may even exclude you from gatherings versus having to continuously repeat themselves.
But the good news is, having your hearing tested will help mend troubled relationships and prevent misunderstandings from happening again.