From cooking meals to our jobs to social events – our lives are busy and chaotic. Having your hearing tested most likely doesn’t seem like something you can find the time to do. And maybe you don’t even notice any hearing loss – so you think a hearing test can wait.
Here’s why you shouldn’t put it off:
1. You Can Protect Against Further Hearing Loss
Many individuals don’t recognize how severe their hearing loss is becoming because it advances so slowly. Over time, they start compensating and changing their lifestyle without knowing it. And because they don’t realize they have hearing loss, they keep engaging in activities that make their hearing loss worse.
But knowing is half the battle.
Having your hearing tested can be eye-opening. There isn’t any way to reverse any hearing loss you may have already suffered, but you can slow its advancement.
It will be helpful to know how to keep your moderate hearing loss from getting worse.
Exercising, lowering your blood pressure, and managing chronic diseases more effectively can slow hearing loss advancement.
Your ears will be safeguarded from further harm by using ear protection when exposed to loud sounds and limiting your exposure.
2. You’re Missing More Than You Realize
If you are experiencing moderate hearing loss, you might have gradually forgotten how much you love listening to music. You may not remember what it’s like to have a discussion without asking family or friends to repeat themselves.
You may find yourself getting further away from doing your favorite things and spending time with friends.
Getting a hearing exam allows you to evaluate your level of hearing loss. In most situations, we can help make improvements to your hearing.
3. You Might Make Your Current Hearing Aid Experience Better
If you already have a hearing aid, you may not want to wear it. You may not think they help much. Having your hearing retested by a hearing specialist will help you find out if you have the best hearing aid for your kind and degree of hearing loss and whether it’s effectively adjusted.
4. You Might be at Risk Already
13% of individuals 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 percent are experiencing disabling hearing loss. Hearing loss is commonly due to environmental factors. It isn’t simply about aging. The majority of it is caused by exposure to loud noise.
If you engage in the following activities, you’re at a greater risk:
- Ride a snowmobile or motorcycle
- Attend movies, plays, or concerts
- Hunt or target shoot with firearms
- Use a motorized lawnmower
- Work at a noisy job
- Turn your headphones or earbuds up too loud
All of these daily activities can cause hearing loss. You need to go have your hearing examined 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. It Will Improve Your Overall Health
People with untreated hearing loss have a significantly higher chance of:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Alzheimer’s/dementia
- Social isolation (preferring to be alone)
- Slow healing or frequent hospital visits
- Falls that result in injuries
- Longer time spent in hospitals and rehab
- Missing or skipping doctor appointments
A hearing test is not just about your hearing.
6. Tense Relationships Can be Restored
Neglected hearing loss can try the patience of your family members and friends. Misunderstandings are more likely. The situation is frustrating for everybody. Regret and bitterness can be the outcome. Rather than continuously having to repeat themselves, friends and family may start to exclude you from gatherings.
But misunderstandings and stressed relationships can be prevented by getting a hearing exam and that’s the good news.