Why is having routine hearing assessments significant? Well, the truth is that hearing loss can have substantial and long-term effects on your overall health. Getting your hearing screened regularly can help you identify hearing loss early, get care sooner, and, improve your health, wellness, and quality of life.
Who should get a hearing exam?
A loss in hearing capability can produce effects that can significantly hinder your health and well-being. For instance, hearing loss can result in intense social isolation. Even while undertaking tasks like going to the store, people who suffer from hearing loss will tend to avoid reaching out to friends and family because they have a difficult time understanding conversations. This type of social isolation can be harmful to your mental health and, possibly somewhat surprisingly, your physical wellness.
Other health problems can be the result of untreated hearing loss also. For instance, untreated hearing loss has been linked to many chronic conditions, including dementia and depression. It’s also been associated with various comorbidities, including diabetes, heart issues, and high blood pressure.
As a result, it’s generally a good idea for just about anyone to schedule a routine hearing test.
Four reasons to check your hearing
There are four noteworthy reasons why keeping an eye on your hearing can be worthwhile to your overall health.
1. You can determine the baseline for your healthy hearing
Why would you want to get your hearing tested if it seems healthy? Well, getting a hearing exam early is a good idea for a number of reasons. Your present level of hearing can be established by a hearing exam and that’s probably the most significant thing. If your hearing changes in the future, this will make it simpler to detect. This is especially true because hearing loss tends to develop gradually, the first symptoms aren’t always noticeable.
Before you notice any symptoms, a hearing test will help identify hearing loss in its early stages.
2. Diagnose and treat issues earlier
Hearing loss is typically a gradual condition, meaning it often gets worse over time. You’ll have a better prognosis, as a result, if you recognize your hearing loss early. If you treat the condition as early as possible, you will have more positive outcomes.
Early treatment might include anything from taking steps to protect your hearing such as wearing ear protection in loud spaces to the use of hearing aids. Treatment can help prevent many of the related issues listed above, such as cognitive decline, depression, and social isolation.
3. It’s easier to assess future changes
Your hearing loss will continue to progress even after you get diagnosed. Routine hearing exams can help you identify changes as you go along, and make adjustments to your treatment plan as necessary.
4. Additional damage can be avoided
Hearing loss that develops slowly over time is usually caused by damage. Seeing us regularly to get your hearing assessed helps you identify that damage as early as possible, and it also gives you access to a significant resource: your hearing specialist. We can help you keep your hearing as healthy as possible by providing you with treatments, best practices, and information.
For instance, we can help you determine ways to safeguard your ears from day-to-day damage or develop strategies designed to help you keep sounds around you quieter.
How frequently should I get my hearing examined?
On the earlier side, adults should wait no longer than their early twenties to begin routine hearing exams. Unless we suggest more frequent visits or if you detect any hearing issues, at least every ten years will be the advised interval for hearing tests.
But perhaps you’re thinking: what should I expect at my hearing exam? In general, they’re totally non-invasive procedures. Frequently, all you do is put on special headphones and listen for a specific sound.
Whether you need some hearing protection or a new pair of hearing aids, we will be able to help you with the best hearing care. And a hearing test can help you figure out when the best time to get your care may be.