From cooking meals to our jobs to social events – our lives are busy and hectic. It most likely seems like there’s never enough time to get your hearing checked. And perhaps you believe it can wait because you don’t think you’re experiencing hearing loss.
Here’s why you shouldn’t wait:
1. Further Hearing Loss Can be Avoided
Many people don’t recognize how severe their hearing loss is becoming because it progresses so gradually. Over time, without even realizing it, they start compensating and changing their lifestyle. And because they don’t know they have hearing loss, they continue to engage in activities that worsen their hearing loss.
But knowledge is power.
It can be an eye-opener to get your hearing tested. You can slow the progression of hearing loss but there is no way to reverse the damage already done.
It will be helpful to know how to keep your moderate hearing loss from worsening.
The advancement of hearing loss can be slowed by more effectively managing chronic disease, decreasing your blood pressure, and exercising more.
Your ears will be safeguarded from further damage by wearing ear protection when subjected to loud noises and limiting 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 love listening to music. You may not recall what it’s like to have a conversation without asking family or friends to repeat themselves.
You might have slowly distanced yourself from friends or your favorite activities.
You can determine just how much hearing loss you have by getting a hearing exam. In the majority of situations, we can help you hear better.
3. You May Make Your Current Hearing Aid Experience Better
Maybe you already use hearing aids but you really don’t like to use them. You might not feel like it enhances your listening experience. Going to a hearing specialist and having your hearing re-tested will ensure you have the hearing aids that work best for you and that they’re set up for your personal listening needs.
4. You May 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 between the ages of 55 and 64, 8.5% are suffering from debilitating hearing loss. Hearing loss is commonly caused by environmental factors. It isn’t simply something that develops when you get older. Exposure to loud sound causes most of it.
Your at an elevated risk if you are engaged in any of these activities:
- Ride a motorcycle or snowmobile
- Attend concerts, plays, or movies
- Work at a noisy job
- Use a motorized lawnmower
- Hunt or practice shooting with firearms
- Listen to loud music or use earbuds
All of these day-to-day activities can cause hearing loss. If you see a decline in your hearing at any age, you should have your hearing examined by a hearing specialist as soon as possible.
5. It Will Benefit Your Overall Health
People with untreated hearing loss have a significantly higher chance of:
- Longer treatments in hospitals and rehab
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Missing or skipping out on doctor appointments
- Falls that cause injuries
- Alzheimer’s/dementia
- Slow healing or repeated hospital admissions
- Social solitude (preferring to be alone)
A hearing test is not only about your hearing.
6. Strained Relationships Can be Repaired
Untreated hearing loss can test the patience of your friends and family members. It’s more common for misunderstandings to take place. The situation is irritating for everybody. Regret and bitterness can be the outcome. Rather than continuously having to repeat what they said, family and friends might begin to exclude you from get-togethers.
But here’s the good news, having your hearing examined will help mend troubled relationships and prevent misunderstandings from happening again.
