From cooking meals to our jobs to social events – our lives are busy and chaotic. It probably seems like there’s never enough time to have your hearing checked. And maybe you believe it can wait because you don’t believe you’re experiencing hearing loss.
You shouldn’t put it off – here’s why:
1. Additional Hearing Loss Can be Prevented
Many individuals don’t appreciate how severe their hearing loss is becoming because it advances so gradually. Over time, they begin compensating and changing their lifestyle without recognizing it. In the meantime, they continue to do things which makes their hearing loss worse.
But knowledge is power.
Having your hearing examined can be eye-opening. There isn’t any way to reverse any hearing loss you may have already suffered, but you can slow its progression.
If you are suffering from moderate hearing loss, you will want to know how to keep it from getting worse.
Exercising, lowering your blood pressure, and managing chronic diseases more effectively can slow hearing loss advancement.
Your ears will be safeguarded from further harm by wearing ear protection when subjected to loud sounds and limiting your exposure.
2. You Don’t Even Realize How Much You’re Missing
If you are experiencing moderate hearing loss, you may have slowly forgotten how much you enjoy listening to music. You may not recall what it’s like to have a discussion without asking friends or family members to repeat themselves.
You may have slowly distanced yourself from friends or your favorite activities.
You can learn just how much hearing loss you have by getting a hearing assessment. In most cases, we can help improve your hearing.
3. You May Enhance Your Hearing Aid Experience
Maybe you already have hearing aids but you really don’t like to wear them. You may not think they help very much. Visiting a hearing specialist and getting your hearing re-evaluated will guarantee you have the hearing aids that work best for you and that they’re adjusted for your individual listening requirements.
4. You May be at Risk Already
Measurable hearing loss can be found in both ears in 13% of U.S. citizens (30 million people) 12 and up. Among adults ages 55 to 64, 8.5% are suffering from disabling hearing loss. Environmental factors are usually to blame. It isn’t just something that develops when you get older. Exposure to loud noise causes the majority of it.
If you participate in the following activities, you’re at a greater risk:
- Listen to loud music or wear earbuds
- Mow the lawn
- Ride a snowmobile or motorcycle
- Shoot firearms
- Work at a noisy job
- Attend concerts, plays, or movies
All of these daily activities can result in hearing loss. You need to go have your hearing checked by a hearing professional as soon as you can if you notice a decline in your ability to hear regardless of what your age is.
5. Your General Health Will Improve
People with untreated hearing loss have a significantly higher chance of:
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s
- Missing or skipping out on doctor appointments
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Longer time spent in hospitals and rehab
- Social solitude (preferring to be alone)
- Falls that result in injuries
- Slow healing or repeated hospital admissions
A hearing test is not only about your hearing.
6. Tense Relationships Can be Restored
Neglected hearing loss can test the patience of your family members and friends. Misunderstandings are more common. Individuals will get frustrated with the situation, including you. Bitterness and regret might follow. Rather than constantly having to repeat what they said, friends and family may start to exclude you from gatherings.
But here’s the good news, having your hearing checked will help mend stressed relationships and stop misunderstandings from occurring again.