From preparing meals to our jobs to social activities – our lives are busy and chaotic. Having your hearing Evaluated most likely doesn’t seem like something you can spare the time to do. And maybe you believe it can wait because you don’t recognize you’re afflicted by hearing loss.
You shouldn’t wait – here’s why:
1. Additional Hearing Loss Can be Avoided
Many individuals don’t appreciate how severe their hearing loss is becoming because it progresses so slowly. After a while, without even realizing it, they start compensating and making changes to their lifestyle. In the meantime, they continue to do things which makes their hearing loss worse.
But knowledge is power.
Getting your hearing examined can be eye-opening. There is no way to undo any hearing loss you might have already suffered, but you can slow its progression.
It will be helpful to find out how to keep your moderate hearing loss from worsening.
The progression of hearing loss can be slowed by more efficiently managing chronic disease, reducing your blood pressure, and exercising more.
Limiting your exposure to loud noises and wearing earplugs during noisy activities will further safeguard your inner ears from additional harm.
2. You’re Missing More Than You Know
If you are dealing with moderate hearing loss, you might have gradually forgotten how much you enjoy listening to music. Not needing to ask family and friends to repeat themselves when they speak to you is something you may not even recall.
You might have slowly distanced yourself from friends or your favorite activities.
You can figure out just how much hearing loss you have by getting a hearing test. In most situations, we can help make improvements to your hearing.
3. You May Make Your Current Hearing Aid Experience Better
If you already have a hearing aid, you may not want to use it. You may not feel like it improves your listening experience. Having your hearing re-examined will guarantee you have the hearing aids that work best for you and that they are adjusted for your individual listening requirements.
4. It’s Possible That You’re Already at Risk
13% of people 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 disabling hearing loss. Environmental factors are commonly to blame. It isn’t just something that occurs when you get older. The majority of it is caused by exposure to loud noise.
If you engage in the following things, you’re at a higher risk:
- Listen to loud music or wear earbuds
- Ride a motorcycle or snowmobile
- Work at a noisy job
- Mow the lawn
- Hunt or practice shooting with firearms
- Attend movies, plays, or concerts
Hearing loss can be triggered by any of these ordinary activities. You need to go have your hearing tested by a hearing professional as soon as possible if you notice a decline in your ability to hear regardless of what your age is.
5. Your General Health Will Improve
Individuals with neglected hearing loss have a substantially higher chance of:
- Missing or skipping doctor appointments
- Anxiety
- Falls that cause injuries
- Social isolation (preferring to be alone)
- Depression
- Longer treatments in hospitals and rehab
- Slow healing or frequent hospital visits
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s
A hearing test is not just about your hearing.
6. Strained Relationships Can be Restored
Neglected hearing loss can test the patience of your family members and friends. 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, family and friends might begin to exclude you from gatherings.
But misunderstandings and stressed relationships can be prevented by getting a hearing test and that’s the good news.
