The majority of hearing loss is slight at first, and you might not even recognize a change. Actually, it is normally family and friends who tip off someone to their hearing problem. While hearing exams are a routine part of childhood, many adults tend to overlook this important checkup, unlike routine eye exams that are frequently prioritized.
Indications That You May Require a Hearing Evaluation
There are a lot of everyday instances where you might not be hearing everything and definitely not hearing what others are.
- Are you frequently asking people to repeat what they said?
- Do you notice that you are boosting the volume on your TV?
- Is it harder to hear everybody at a noisy restaurant?
- Are there misunderstandings at work or at home causing disputes?
These type of situations can happen on a daily basis and continue to affect relationships.
Important Benefits of Scheduling Regular Hearing Exams
According to the standards provided by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, adults are recommended to have a hearing screening every 10 years before reaching the age of 50. For adults aged 50 and above, it is advised to have a hearing assessment every 3 years.
1. Family History
If other members of your family have hearing problems, this is a very good reason to schedule a hearing exam with a hearing professional.
2. Set Your Baseline Hearing
By knowing your hearing ability in each ear, you can pinpoint potential problems or areas for improvement.
There are sounds you may not be hearing and impairments that may indicate further tests or treatments.
3. Helps Gauge Future Changes
Every new test will compare new information with previous assessments. Some changes happen gradually, and the tests will identify any changes even if you don’t.
4. Assists in Identifying and Managing Issues at an Early Stage
New tests monitor changes and how quickly they are occurring, which can help identify and treat problems early, such as an accumulation of earwax or noise-induced hearing loss.
5. Pinpoint Medical Conditions
Sometimes hearing loss is a symptom of an intrinsic medical condition like diabetes and high blood pressure (connected to hearing loss and tinnitus), plus cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. Treating the underlying medical conditions that are causing it could possibly alleviate hearing loss.
6. Prevent Further Damage
If a patient does not receive treatment, they might experience feelings of depression and anxiety in social situations, resulting in enhanced seclusion and worsening of their depression. Seniors with hearing issues can have increased injuries when they don’t hear warning signals like car horns, smoke alarms, and other sounds that mean danger. Furthermore, research has shown a connection between unaddressed hearing loss and an increased danger of developing cognitive decline and experiencing falls.
Getting the Answers You Need
Maybe you have suspected you have a hearing loss. Now you have answers, including the knowledge that hearing aids will enhance not only your hearing but also your relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.
After receiving the right hearing aids to manage your hearing loss, you will experience enhanced hearing ability in conversations, work meetings, and while enjoying the sounds of your child’s laughter or a loved one’s voice.
Reach out to us to arrange a hearing assessment or if you’re concerned that you may be experiencing hearing difficulties.