From preparing meals to our jobs to social events – our lives are busy and chaotic. It most likely seems like there’s not enough time to have your hearing tested. And maybe you believe it can wait because you don’t think you’re afflicted by hearing loss.
Here’s why you shouldn’t wait:
1. Further Hearing Loss Can be Avoided
Many people don’t appreciate how serious their hearing loss is becoming because it advances so slowly. After a while, without even realizing it, they begin compensating and changing their lifestyle. All the while, they continue to do things which makes their hearing loss worse.
But knowledge is power.
It can be an eye-opener to have your hearing checked. There isn’t any way to undo any hearing loss you may already have, but you can slow its progression.
If you are suffering from moderate hearing loss, you will want to find out how to keep it from getting worse.
The progression of hearing loss can be slowed by more efficiently controlling chronic disease, decreasing your blood pressure, and exercising more.
Your ears will be protected from further damage by wearing ear protection when exposed to loud noises and reducing your exposure.
2. You’re Missing More Than You Know
If you are dealing with moderate hearing loss, you may have slowly forgotten how much you enjoy listening to music. Not needing to ask family and friends to repeat what they said when they speak to you is something you might not even remember.
You might have slowly distanced yourself from friends or your favorite activities.
Having a hearing test allows you to evaluate your level of hearing loss. In the majority of situations, we can help you hear better.
3. You May Improve Your Hearing Aid Experience
Maybe you already use hearing aids but you really don’t like to use them. You may not feel like it improves your listening experience. Going to a hearing specialist and getting your hearing re-examined will ensure you have the hearing aids that work best for you and that they’re adjusted for your personal listening needs.
4. You May be at Risk Already
Measurable hearing loss can be found in both ears in 13% of U.S. citizens (30 million individuals) 12 and up. Among adults between the ages of 55 and 64, 8.5 percent are suffering from debilitating hearing loss. Environmental factors are typically to blame. It’s not just something that occurs when you get older. Exposure to loud sound causes the majority of it.
If you are involved in the following activities, you’re at a higher risk:
- Shoot firearms
- Attend concerts, plays, or movies
- Ride a motorcycle or snowmobile
- Mow the lawn
- Have a noisy job
- Listen to loud music or use earbuds
Every one of these day-to-day activities can result in hearing loss. You need to go have your hearing tested by a hearing professional as soon as you can if you notice a decline in your ability to hear regardless of how old you are.
5. It Will Benefit Your Total Health
People with untreated hearing loss have a substantially higher chance of:
- Anxiety
- Social solitude (preferring to be alone)
- Missing or skipping out on doctor appointments
- Falls that cause injuries
- Slow healing or repeated hospital visits
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s
- Depression
- Longer treatments in hospitals and rehab
A hearing test is not only about your hearing.
6. Repair Strained Relationships
Neglected hearing loss can try the patience of your family members and friends. Misunderstandings are more likely. Individuals will become irritated with the situation, including you. Resentment and regret may be the result. Family members and friends might even exclude you from get-togethers rather than having to continuously repeat what they said.
But the good news is, getting your hearing tested will help mend troubled relationships and stop misunderstandings from happening again.