From cooking meals to our jobs to social activities – our lives are busy and chaotic. It most likely seems like there’s not enough time to get your hearing tested. And perhaps you think it can wait because you don’t recognize you’re experiencing hearing loss.
You shouldn’t wait – here’s why:
1. You Can Stop Additional Hearing Loss
Because hearing loss typically advances slowly, many people don’t realize how bad it’s become. Over time, they start compensating and making lifestyle changes without knowing it. And because they don’t recognize they have hearing loss, they continue to engage in activities that make their hearing loss worse.
But knowledge is power.
It can be an eye-opener to get your hearing checked. There isn’t any way to reverse any hearing loss you might already have, but you can slow its advancement.
It will be helpful to know how to keep your moderate hearing loss from getting worse.
Exercising, reducing your blood pressure, and managing chronic diseases more effectively can slow hearing loss progression.
Your ears will be safeguarded from further damage by using ear protection when exposed to loud sounds and limiting your exposure.
2. You’re Missing More Than You Know
If you are experiencing moderate hearing loss, you may have slowly forgotten how much you love listening to music. You may not remember 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.
Having a hearing examination lets you measure your level of hearing loss. In the majority of cases, we can help you hear better.
3. You Might Improve Your Hearing Aid Experience
Maybe you already have hearing aids but you really don’t like to use them. You might not feel like it enhances your listening experience. Visiting a hearing specialist and getting your hearing re-analyzed will ensure you have the hearing aids that work best for you and that they are set up for your individual listening needs.
4. It’s Possible That You’re At Risk Already
Thirteen percent of individuals 12 and older in the U.S. (30 million people) have measurable hearing loss in both ears. Among adults ages 55 to 64, 8.5% are suffering from debilitating hearing loss. Environmental factors are usually to blame. It isn’t simply about aging. Exposure to loud noise causes most of it.
Your at a greater risk if you are engaged in any of these activities:
- Ride loud vehicles including a snowmobile, ATV, or motorcycle
- Attend concerts, plays, or movies
- Shoot firearms
- Mow the lawn
- Listen to loud music or wear earbuds
- Work at a loud job
Every one of these everyday activities can trigger hearing loss. If you notice a decline in your hearing whatever age, you should get your hearing checked by a hearing specialist as soon as possible.
5. Your Over-all Health Will Improve
Individuals with untreated hearing loss have a significantly higher risk of:
- Missing or skipping out on doctor appointments
- Slow healing or repeated hospital visits
- Social isolation (preferring to be alone)
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Longer treatments in hospitals and rehab
- Alzheimer’s/dementia
- Falls that result in injuries
Getting your hearing examined is about more than only your hearing.
6. Rebuild Strained Relationships
Untreated hearing loss can try the patience of your friends and family members. It’s more common for misunderstandings to occur. Everyone will get irritated with the situation, including you. Bitterness and regret might be the result. Rather than constantly having to repeat what they said, friends and family may begin to exclude you from gatherings.
But here’s the good news, having your hearing checked will help mend stressed relationships and prevent misunderstandings from happening again.