Our lives are busy and chaotic – from our jobs to cooking food to social events. It probably seems like there’s never enough time to have your hearing evaluated. And perhaps you think it can wait because you don’t recognize you’re afflicted by hearing loss.
You shouldn’t put it off – here’s why:
1. You Can Prevent Additional Hearing Loss
Because hearing loss often progresses gradually, many people don’t grasp how bad it has become. After a while, without even realizing it, they begin compensating and making changes to their lifestyle. And because they don’t recognize they have hearing loss, they keep engaging in activities that make their hearing loss worse.
But knowing is half the battle.
Getting your hearing checked can be eye-opening. There is no way to undo any hearing loss you may already have, but you can slow its advancement.
It will be helpful to know how to keep your moderate hearing loss from worsening.
Exercising, decreasing your blood pressure, and managing chronic diseases more effectively can slow hearing loss progression.
Your ears will be protected from further damage by wearing ear protection when exposed to loud sounds and limiting your exposure.
2. You’re Missing More Than You Know
You may have gradually forgotten your love for music if you’ve been going through moderate hearing loss. You might not remember what it’s like to have a discussion without asking friends or family members to repeat themselves.
You might find yourself getting further away from doing your favorite activities and spending time with friends.
Having a hearing test allows you to evaluate your degree of hearing loss. In most situations, we can help make improvements to your hearing.
3. You Might Enhance Your Hearing Aid Experience
Maybe you already use hearing aids but you really don’t like to use them. You may not feel like it enhances your listening experience. Getting 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. It’s Possible That You’re At Risk Already
13% of people 12 and older in the U.S. (30 million people) have measurable hearing impairment in both ears. Among adults between the ages of 55 and 64, 8.5 percent are experiencing debilitating 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 sound.
If you are involved in the following activities, you’re at a higher risk:
- Turn your headphones or earbuds up too loud
- Ride a snowmobile or motorcycle
- Hunt or practice shooting with firearms
- Go to concerts, plays, or concerts
- Have a noisy job
- Use a motorized lawnmower
Every one of these day-to-day activities can trigger hearing loss. If you see a decline in your hearing whatever age, you should have your hearing tested by a hearing specialist as soon as you can.
5. Your General Health Will Improve
If you neglect your hearing loss you will have a considerably higher risk of the following:
- Longer time spent in hospitals and rehab
- Social solitude (preferring to be alone)
- Slow healing or frequent hospital visits
- Falls that result in injuries
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Alzheimer’s/dementia
- Missing or skipping doctor appointments
A hearing test is not only about your hearing.
6. Repair Strained Relationships
Untreated hearing loss can try the patience of your family members and friends. It’s more likely for misunderstandings to happen. People will get aggravated with the situation, including you. Regret and resentment can be the outcome. Friends and family members might even exclude you from get-togethers rather than needing to constantly repeat themselves.
But misunderstandings and troubled relationships can be prevented by getting a hearing assessment and that’s the good news.