Our lives are busy and chaotic – from our jobs to preparing food to social activities. Having your hearing tested most likely doesn’t seem like something you can spare the time to do. And maybe you don’t even detect any hearing loss – so you believe a hearing test can wait.
You shouldn’t put it off – here’s why:
1. You Can Prevent Further Hearing Loss
Because hearing loss typically advances gradually, many people don’t recognize how bad it has become. Over time, they begin compensating and changing their lifestyle without recognizing it. And because they don’t recognize they have hearing loss, they keep engaging in activities that make their hearing loss worse.
But knowing is half the battle.
Getting your hearing checked can be eye-opening. There isn’t any way to undo any hearing loss you may have already suffered, but you can slow its advancement.
If you are experiencing moderate hearing loss, you will want to understand how to stop it from getting worse.
Exercising, reducing your blood pressure, and dealing with chronic diseases more thoroughly can slow hearing loss progression.
Your ears will be protected from further harm by using ear protection when subjected to loud sounds and reducing your exposure.
2. You Don’t Even Realize How Much You’re Missing
If you are experiencing moderate hearing loss, you might have slowly forgotten how much you enjoy listening to music. You might not recall what it’s like to have a discussion without asking friends or family members to repeat themselves.
You might find yourself getting further away from doing your favorite activities and spending time with friends.
Having a hearing test lets you measure your level of hearing loss. In the majority of cases, we can help you hear better.
3. You May Make Your Current Hearing Aid Experience Better
Perhaps you already use hearing aids but you really don’t like to use them. You may not think they help much. Going to a hearing specialist and having your hearing re-examined will ensure you have the hearing aids that work best for you and that they are adjusted for your personal listening requirements.
4. You Might be at Risk Already
Among adults ages 55 to 64, 8.5% are experiencing debilitating hearing loss. Environmental factors are commonly to blame. It isn’t simply about getting old. Exposure to loud noise causes the majority of it.
If you engage in the following activities, you’re at an increased risk:
- Ride loud vehicles like a snowmobile, ATV, or motorcycle
- Mow the lawn
- Have a loud job
- Shoot firearms
- Listen to loud music or wear earbuds
- Attend plays, concerts, movies
Hearing loss can be caused by any of these ordinary activities. If you notice a decline in your hearing whatever age, you should have your hearing examined by a hearing specialist as soon as possible.
5. It Will Improve Your Total Health
If you ignore your hearing loss you will have a substantially higher risk of the following:
- Missing or skipping doctor appointments
- Longer treatments in hospitals and rehab
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Falls that cause injuries
- Social solitude (preferring to be alone)
- Slow healing or repeated hospital admissions
- Alzheimer’s/dementia
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. Everyone will become irritated with the situation, including you. Resentment and regret could follow. Friends and family members might even exclude you from get-togethers versus having to continuously repeat what they said.
But misunderstandings and stressed relationships can be prevented by getting a hearing exam and that’s the good news.