Our lives are busy and hectic – from our jobs to preparing meals to social activities. It most likely seems like there’s never enough time to get your hearing checked. And perhaps you think it can wait because you don’t think 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 realize how bad it’s become. Over time, without even realizing it, they start compensating and changing their lifestyle. All the while, they continue to do things to make their hearing loss worse.
But knowledge is power.
It can be an eye-opener to have your hearing tested. There is no way to undo any hearing loss you may have already suffered, but you can slow its advancement.
It will be helpful to know how to keep your moderate hearing loss from worsening.
Exercising, decreasing your blood pressure, and managing chronic diseases more thoroughly can slow hearing loss advancement.
Reducing your exposure to loud noises and wearing earplugs during loud activities will further protect 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 might have slowly forgotten how much you enjoy listening to music. Not needing to ask friends and family to repeat what they said when they speak to you is something you may not even remember.
You might find yourself getting further away from doing your favorite things and spending time with friends.
You can learn just how much hearing loss you have by getting a hearing exam. In most situations, we can help improve your hearing.
3. You May Make Your Current Hearing Aid Experience Better
If you already have a hearing aid, you may not want to use it. You might not think they help much. Going to a hearing specialist and getting your hearing re-examined will ensure you have the hearing aids that work best for you and that they’re adjusted for your personal listening needs.
4. You May be at Risk Already
Among adults ages 55 to 64, 8.5% are suffering from disabling hearing loss. Hearing loss is usually the result of environmental factors. It isn’t just something that develops when you get older. Exposure to loud sound causes the majority of it.
If you participate in the following things, you’re at a higher risk:
- Use a motorized lawnmower
- Ride loud vehicles like a snowmobile, ATV, or motorcycle
- Attend plays, concerts, movies
- Listen to loud music or use earbuds
- Hunt or target shoot with firearms
- Work at a noisy job
All of these daily activities can trigger hearing loss. You need to go have your hearing examined 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. It Will Improve Your Overall Health
If you neglect your hearing loss you will have a significantly higher risk of the following:
- Depression
- Longer time spent in hospitals and rehab
- Missing or skipping doctor appointments
- Falls that cause injuries
- Slow healing or repeated hospital admissions
- Social solitude (preferring to be alone)
- Anxiety
- Alzheimer’s/dementia
A hearing test is not just about your hearing.
6. Repair Tense Relationships
Friends and family members can lose their patience when dealing with someone who has neglected hearing loss. It’s more common for misunderstandings to happen. The situation is frustrating for everybody. Regret and resentment can be the result. Rather than constantly needing to repeat what they said, family and friends may begin to exclude you from get-togethers.
But here’s the good news, having your hearing checked will help restore stressed relationships and stop misunderstandings from occurring again.