Our lives are busy and chaotic – from our jobs to preparing meals to social events. It most likely seems like there’s not enough time to have your hearing checked. And perhaps you don’t even recognize any hearing loss – so you believe a hearing test can wait.
You shouldn’t wait – here’s why:
1. You Can Prevent Additional Hearing Loss
Many people don’t appreciate how severe their hearing loss is becoming because it advances so slowly. As time passes, they start compensating and changing their lifestyle without knowing it. In the meantime, they continue to do things which makes their hearing loss worse.
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 learn how to keep your moderate hearing loss from worsening.
Exercising, decreasing your blood pressure, and managing chronic diseases more thoroughly can slow hearing loss progression.
Your ears will be safeguarded from further harm by wearing ear protection when exposed to loud noises and reducing your exposure.
2. You’re Missing More Than You Realize
If you are dealing with moderate hearing loss, you might have gradually forgotten how much you love listening to music. You might not remember what it’s like to have a conversation without asking family or friends to repeat themselves.
You might find yourself getting further away from doing your favorite things and spending time with friends.
Getting a hearing test allows you to evaluate your level of hearing loss. In most situations, we can help make improvements to your hearing.
3. You May Make Your Current Hearing Aid Experience Better
If you already have a hearing aid, you may not want to wear it. You might not think they help much. Having your hearing re-examined by a hearing specialist will help you learn if you have the right hearing aid for your kind and degree of hearing loss and whether it’s effectively adjusted.
4. You Could be at Risk Already
And debilitating hearing loss is endured by 8.5% of adults 55 to64. Hearing loss is usually caused by environmental factors. It’s not simply about aging. The majority of it is caused by exposure to loud noise.
If you are involved in the following activities, you’re at a greater risk:
- Mow the lawn
- Attend plays, concerts, movies
- Have a loud job
- Ride a motorcycle or snowmobile
- Listen to loud music or wear earbuds
- 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 detect a decline in your ability to hear regardless of what your age is.
5. Your Over-all Health Will Improve
If you ignore your hearing loss you will have a considerably higher risk of the following:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Alzheimer’s/dementia
- Falls that cause injuries
- Slow healing or repeated hospital visits
- Longer treatments in hospitals and rehab
- Social solitude (preferring to be alone)
- Missing or skipping out on doctor appointments
A hearing test is not only about your hearing.
6. Strained Relationships Can be Repaired
Friends and family members can lose their patience when dealing with a person who has neglected hearing loss. It’s more likely for misunderstandings to take place. The situation is frustrating for everybody. Bitterness and regret might be the result. Rather than constantly having to repeat themselves, family and friends may start to exclude you from get-togethers.
But the good news is, getting your hearing examined will help mend troubled relationships and prevent misunderstandings from happening again.