Our lives are busy and chaotic – from our jobs to cooking food to social events. Getting your hearing tested most likely doesn’t seem like something you can spare the time to do. And maybe you don’t even recognize any hearing loss – so you think a hearing test can wait.
Here’s why you shouldn’t wait:
1. Additional Hearing Loss Can be Avoided
Because hearing loss typically progresses gradually, many individuals don’t grasp how bad it has become. As time passes, they start compensating and making lifestyle changes without knowing it. And because they don’t recognize they have hearing loss, they keep engaging in activities that make their hearing loss worse.
But knowledge is power.
It can be an eye-opener to have your hearing examined. You can slow the advancement of hearing loss but there isn’t any way to reverse the damage already done.
If you are suffering from 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 controlling chronic disease, reducing your blood pressure, and exercising more.
Reducing your exposure to loud sounds and wearing ear protection during loud activities will further protect your inner ears from additional damage.
2. You’re Missing More Than You Realize
If you are experiencing moderate hearing loss, you might have gradually forgotten how much you love listening to music. Not needing to ask family and friends to repeat themselves when they speak to you is something you may not even remember.
You might find yourself getting further away from doing your favorite activities and spending time with friends.
You can learn just how much hearing loss you have by getting a hearing exam. In most instances, we can help improve your hearing.
3. You May Make Your Current Hearing Aid Experience Better
Perhaps you already have hearing aids but you really don’t like to wear them. You might not think they help very much. Visiting a hearing specialist and having your hearing re-examined will ensure you have the hearing aids that work best for you and that they’re set up for your individual listening needs.
4. It’s Possible That You’re At Risk Already
And debilitating hearing loss is experienced by 8.5% of adults 55 to64. Environmental factors are typically to blame. It isn’t just something that occurs when you get older. Exposure to loud noise causes the majority of it.
If you take part in the following activities, you’re at a greater risk:
- Go to concerts or plays
- Mow the lawn
- Listen to loud music or wear earbuds
- Have a loud job
- Ride a motorcycle or snowmobile
- Shoot firearms
All of these daily activities can lead to hearing loss. You need to go have your hearing checked by a hearing professional as soon as possible if you notice a decline in your ability to hear regardless of how old you are.
5. Your Over-all Health Will Improve
If you neglect your hearing loss you will have a substantially higher chance of the following:
- Slow healing or repeated hospital visits
- Missing or skipping doctor appointments
- Longer time spent in hospitals and rehab
- Depression
- Social isolation (preferring to be alone)
- Falls that cause injuries
- Anxiety
- Alzheimer’s/dementia
Getting your hearing tested is about more than only your hearing.
6. Restore Strained Relationships
Friends and family members can lose their patience when addressing somebody who has neglected hearing loss. It’s more likely for misunderstandings to happen. Everyone will become frustrated with the situation, including you. Resentment and regret could be the result. Rather than continuously having to repeat themselves, friends and family may begin to exclude you from get-togethers.
But misunderstandings and troubled relationships can be prevented by getting a hearing exam and that’s the good news.