Our lives are busy and chaotic – from our jobs to cooking food to social activities. It probably seems like there’s not enough time to get your hearing evaluated. And perhaps you think it can wait because you don’t think you’re afflicted by hearing loss.
You shouldn’t wait – here’s why:
1. Further Hearing Loss Can be Avoided
Many individuals don’t appreciate how severe their hearing loss is becoming because it progresses so gradually. Over time, without even noticing it, they start compensating and making changes to their lifestyle. All the while, they continue to do things which makes their hearing loss worse.
But knowing is half the battle.
Getting your hearing examined can be eye-opening. There isn’t any way to reverse any hearing loss you might already have, but you can slow its advancement.
If you are suffering from moderate hearing loss, you will want to know how to stop it from getting worse.
The progression of hearing loss can be slowed by more effectively controlling chronic disease, decreasing your blood pressure, and exercising more.
Reducing your exposure to loud sounds and wearing ear protection during loud activities will further safeguard your inner ears from additional harm.
2. You’re Missing More Than You Know
You might have gradually forgotten your appreciation for music if you’ve been dealing with moderate hearing loss. You may not remember what it’s like to have a conversation without asking friends or family members to repeat themselves.
You may find yourself getting further away from doing your favorite activities and spending time with friends.
Getting a hearing exam lets you evaluate your degree of hearing loss. In most cases, we can help improve your hearing.
3. You May Enhance Your Hearing Aid Experience
Maybe you already use hearing aids but you really don’t like to wear them. You might 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 correctly adjusted.
4. You Could be at Risk Already
Thirteen percent of people 12 and older in the U.S. (30 million people) have measurable hearing impairment in both ears. And debilitating hearing loss is experienced by 8.5% of adults 55 to64. Environmental factors are usually to blame. It isn’t simply something that develops when you get older. Most of it is caused by exposure to loud noise.
Your at an increased danger if you are engaged in any of these activities:
- Use a motorized lawnmower
- Ride loud vehicles like a snowmobile, ATV, or motorcycle
- Listen to loud music or use earbuds
- Work at a loud job
- Go to concerts, plays, or concerts
- Hunt or practice shooting with firearms
Every one of these everyday activities can lead to hearing loss. If you observe a decline in your hearing whatever age, you should get your hearing examined by a hearing specialist as soon as you can.
5. It Will Benefit Your Overall Health
If you neglect your hearing loss you will have a considerably higher chance of the following:
- Social isolation (preferring to be alone)
- Slow healing or frequent hospital visits
- Depression
- Missing or skipping doctor appointments
- Anxiety
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s
- Falls that result in injuries
- Longer time spent in hospitals and rehab
Getting your hearing examined is about more than just your hearing.
6. Strained Relationships Can be Restored
Friends and family members can lose their patience when addressing a person who has ignored their hearing loss. It’s more likely for misunderstandings to take place. The situation is irritating for everyone. Bitterness and regret may be the result. Rather than constantly having to repeat what they said, friends and family might start to exclude you from get-togethers.
But misunderstandings and troubled relationships can be prevented by getting a hearing test and that’s the good news.