From preparing meals to our jobs to social activities – our lives are busy and hectic. Having your hearing tested probably doesn’t seem like something you can spare the time to do. And perhaps you think it can wait because you don’t believe you’re experiencing hearing loss.
Here’s why you shouldn’t wait:
1. You Can Protect Against Additional Hearing Loss
Many people don’t recognize how severe their hearing loss is becoming because it advances so slowly. Over time, they begin compensating and making lifestyle changes without recognizing it. And because they don’t recognize they have hearing loss, they continue to engage in activities that make their hearing loss worse.
But knowledge is power.
Getting your hearing tested can be eye-opening. There isn’t any way to undo any hearing loss you might already have, but you can slow its progression.
It will be helpful to find out 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.
Reducing your exposure to loud noises and wearing earplugs during loud activities will further safeguard your inner ears from additional damage.
2. You Don’t Even Know How Much You’re Missing
If you are experiencing moderate hearing loss, you may have slowly forgotten how much you enjoy listening to music. You may not recall what it’s like to have a discussion without asking friends or family members to repeat themselves.
You may have slowly distanced yourself from friends or your favorite experiences.
Getting a hearing examination lets you assess your degree of hearing loss. In the majority of cases, we can help you hear better.
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 may not think they help much. Visiting a hearing specialist and having your hearing re-examined will guarantee you have the hearing aids that work best for you and that they’re set up for your personal listening needs.
4. It’s Possible That You’re At Risk Already
And debilitating hearing loss is endured by 8.5% of adults 55 to64. Hearing loss is commonly the result of environmental factors. It isn’t simply something that occurs when you get older. Most of it is caused by exposure to loud sound.
If you participate in the following activities, you’re at an increased risk:
- Attend movies, plays, or concerts
- Shoot firearms
- Listen to loud music or use earbuds
- Use a motorized lawnmower
- Ride loud vehicles including a snowmobile, ATV, or motorcycle
- Work at a noisy job
Every one of these daily activities can lead to hearing loss. If you notice a decline in your hearing whatever age, you should have your hearing checked by a hearing specialist as soon as you can.
5. It Will Benefit Your Total Health
People with neglected hearing loss have a significantly higher chance of:
- Social solitude (preferring to be alone)
- Falls that result in injuries
- Longer time spent in hospitals and rehab
- Depression
- Slow healing or repeated hospital admissions
- Alzheimer’s/dementia
- Missing or skipping out on doctor appointments
- Anxiety
Getting your hearing tested is about more than only your hearing.
6. Strained Relationships Can be Restored
Neglected hearing loss can test the patience of your family members and friends. Misunderstandings are more likely. The situation is frustrating for everybody. Bitterness and regret might follow. Friends and family members may even exclude you from gatherings versus having to constantly repeat what they said.
But here’s the good news, having your hearing checked will help repair stressed relationships and stop misunderstandings from happening again.