Our lives are busy and chaotic – from our jobs to cooking meals to social activities. Getting your hearing tested probably doesn’t seem like something you can find the time to do. And maybe you believe it can wait because you don’t recognize you’re afflicted by hearing loss.
You shouldn’t put it off – here’s why:
1. You Can Protect Against Additional Hearing Loss
Because hearing loss typically progresses slowly, many people don’t recognize how bad it has become. Over time, they start compensating and making lifestyle changes without recognizing it. All the while, they continue to do things to make their hearing loss worse.
But knowing is half the battle.
Getting your hearing checked can be eye-opening. You can slow the progression of hearing loss but there is no way to reverse the damage already done.
It will be helpful to find out how to keep your moderate hearing loss from getting worse.
Exercising, lowering your blood pressure, and dealing with chronic diseases more thoroughly can slow hearing loss progression.
Your ears will be protected from further harm by wearing ear protection when subjected to loud sounds and reducing your exposure.
2. You’re Missing More Than You Know
You may have gradually forgotten your love for music if you’ve been experiencing moderate hearing loss. You might not remember what it’s like to have a discussion 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 exam lets you evaluate your degree of hearing loss. In most cases, we can help make improvements to your hearing.
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 helps your listening experience. Visiting 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. It’s Possible That You’re At Risk Already
And debilitating hearing loss is experienced by 8.5% of adults 55 to64. Environmental factors are typically to blame. It’s not simply about aging. Most of it is caused by exposure to loud sound.
If you take part in the following things, you’re at a higher risk:
- Attend plays, concerts, movies
- Ride loud vehicles including a snowmobile, ATV, or motorcycle
- Work at a noisy job
- Turn your headphones or earbuds up too loud
- Hunt or practice shooting with firearms
- Mow the lawn
Hearing loss can be a consequence of any of these common activities. You need to go have your hearing checked 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. Your General Health Will Improve
People with untreated hearing loss have a substantially higher risk of:
- Missing or skipping out on doctor appointments
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s
- Anxiety
- Falls that cause injuries
- Depression
- Longer time spent in hospitals and rehab
- Slow healing or repeated hospital admissions
- Social solitude (preferring to be alone)
Having your hearing examined is about more than only your hearing.
6. Tense Relationships Can be Restored
Neglected hearing loss can try the patience of your family members and friends. It’s more likely for misunderstandings to happen. People will get irritated with the situation, including you. Regret and bitterness can be the result. Rather than continuously needing to repeat what they said, friends and family might start to exclude you from get-togethers.
But the good news is, getting your hearing tested will help repair stressed relationships and prevent misunderstandings from occurring again.