Our lives are busy and hectic – from our jobs to cooking food to social events. Having your hearing Evaluated most likely doesn’t seem like something you can spare the time to do. And perhaps you think it can wait because you don’t believe you’re afflicted by hearing loss.
You shouldn’t put it off – here’s why:
1. Further Hearing Loss Can be Avoided
Because hearing loss typically progresses slowly, many people don’t recognize how bad it’s become. After a while, without even realizing it, they begin compensating and changing their lifestyle. In the meantime, they continue to do things which makes their hearing loss worse.
But knowing is half the battle.
It can be an eye-opener to have your hearing tested. You can slow the progression of hearing loss but there is no way to reverse the damage already done.
If you are experiencing moderate hearing loss, you will want to understand how to stop it from getting worse.
The advancement of hearing loss can be slowed by more effectively managing chronic disease, decreasing your blood pressure, and exercising more.
Reducing your exposure to loud sounds and wearing ear protection during noisy activities will further protect your inner ears from additional damage.
2. You Don’t Even Realize How Much You’re Missing
You might have gradually forgotten your appreciation for music if you’ve been dealing with moderate hearing loss. Not needing to ask family and friends to repeat what they said when they talk to you is something you may not even recall.
You may find yourself getting further away from doing your favorite activities and spending time with friends.
You can figure out just how much hearing loss you have by getting a hearing assessment. In the majority of cases, we can help you hear better.
3. You May Make Your Current Hearing Aid Experience Better
If you already use a hearing aid, you might not want to wear it. You might not think they help much. Having your hearing retested by a hearing specialist will help you learn if you have the right hearing aid for your type and level of hearing loss and whether it’s effectively adjusted.
4. You Could be at Risk Already
Among adults between the ages of 55 and 64, 8.5% are suffering from debilitating hearing loss. Hearing loss is typically the result of environmental factors. It’s not simply something that happens when you get older. Most of it is caused by exposure to loud noise.
Your at an elevated danger if you are involved in any of these activities:
- Mow the lawn
- Turn your headphones or earbuds up too loud
- Ride loud vehicles including a snowmobile, ATV, or motorcycle
- Attend concerts, plays, or movies
- Have a noisy job
- Shoot guns
Hearing loss can be brought on 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 how old you are.
5. Your General Health Will Improve
If you ignore your hearing loss you will have a significantly higher risk of the following:
- Falls that result in injuries
- Anxiety
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s
- Depression
- Slow healing or frequent hospital visits
- Social isolation (preferring to be alone)
- Longer treatments in hospitals and rehab
- Missing or skipping out on doctor appointments
A hearing test is not just about your hearing.
6. Tense Relationships Can be Repaired
Neglected hearing loss can try the patience of your friends and family members. It’s more likely for misunderstandings to happen. People will become frustrated with the situation, including you. Resentment and regret might follow. Rather than continuously needing to repeat what they said, friends and family might begin to exclude you from get-togethers.
But here’s the good news, getting your hearing checked will help repair troubled relationships and stop misunderstandings from occurring again.