From preparing meals to our jobs to social activities – our lives are busy and hectic. Getting 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.
You shouldn’t wait – here’s why:
1. You Can Stop Additional Hearing Loss
Many people don’t appreciate how serious their hearing loss is becoming because it advances so slowly. As time passes, they begin compensating and changing their lifestyle without realizing 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 checked. You can slow the progression of hearing loss but there isn’t any way to reverse the damage already done.
It will be helpful to learn how to keep your moderate hearing loss from getting worse.
The advancement of hearing loss can be slowed by more effectively controlling chronic disease, decreasing your blood pressure, and exercising more.
Limiting your exposure to loud sounds and wearing earplugs during loud activities will further protect your inner ears from additional damage.
2. You’re Missing More Than You Know
If you are dealing with moderate hearing loss, you may have gradually forgotten how much you enjoy listening to music. You might not remember 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.
You can learn just how much hearing loss you have by getting a hearing test. In most instances, 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 very much. Having your hearing retested by a hearing specialist will help you discover if you have the right hearing aid for your type and degree of hearing loss and whether it’s properly adjusted.
4. You May be at Risk Already
Thirteen percent of people 12 and older in the U.S. (30 million people) have measurable hearing impairment in both ears. And debilitating hearing loss is endured by 8.5% of adults between 55 and 64. Environmental factors are typically to blame. It’s not simply something that develops when you get older. The majority of it is caused by exposure to loud sound.
If you engage in the following activities, you’re at a greater risk:
- Attend plays, concerts, movies
- Ride a motorcycle or snowmobile
- Work at a loud job
- Listen to loud music or wear earbuds
- Use a motorized lawnmower
- Shoot firearms
Hearing loss can be brought on by any of these common activities. If you observe a decline in your hearing whatever age, you should get your hearing tested by a hearing specialist as soon as possible.
5. It Will Benefit Your Total Health
Individuals with neglected hearing loss have a substantially higher risk of:
- Missing or skipping out on doctor appointments
- Falls that cause injuries
- Longer treatments in hospitals and rehab
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Social isolation (preferring to be alone)
- Slow healing or frequent hospital admissions
A hearing test is not only about your hearing.
6. Tense Relationships Can be Restored
Untreated hearing loss can try the patience of your friends and family members. Misunderstandings are more likely. Everyone will get aggravated with the situation, including you. Resentment and regret may be the result. Rather than constantly having to repeat themselves, family and friends may start to exclude you from gatherings.
But the good news is, having your hearing checked will help restore stressed relationships and prevent misunderstandings from happening again.