Our lives are busy and hectic – from our jobs to preparing meals to social events. It probably seems like there’s never enough time to have your hearing tested? You believe it can wait because you don’t think you’re experiencing hearing loss.
The following are seven very compelling reasons not to wait any longer.
1. You can prevent further hearing loss
Because hearing loss usually progresses slowly, many people don’t realize how bad it has become. Over time, they begin compensating and making lifestyle changes without realizing it. All the while, they continue to do things to make their hearing loss worse.
But knowledge is power.
Getting your hearing checked can be eye-opening. There is no way to reverse any hearing loss you may have already suffered, but your hearing specialist will tell you how to slow its progression.
If you are experiencing moderate hearing loss, you will want to know how to keep it from getting worse.
Exercising, lowering your blood pressure, and managing chronic diseases more effectively can slow hearing loss progression.
Limiting your exposure to loud sounds and wearing earplugs during noisy activities will further protect your inner ears from additional damage.
Hearing specialists will suggest a variety of methods to help slow the progression of your hearing loss.
2. You’re missing more than you realize
If you are experiencing moderate hearing loss, you may have slowly forgotten how much you enjoy listening to music. You may not remember what it’s like to have a conversation without asking friends or family members to repeat themselves.
You may have slowly distanced yourself from friends or your favorite activities.
Getting a hearing test allows you to evaluate your level of hearing loss. In most cases, your hearing specialist will provide convenient options to help improve your hearing.
3. You will learn to ignore bad advice
“You can reverse hearing loss with dietary changes, exercise, and herbal supplements.”
“Hearing aids only make sounds louder and more uncomfortable.”
“A personal sound amplification device can replace a hearing aid.”
“Your primary care doctor would tell you if you needed a hearing test.”
Have you heard these hearing loss myths? They’re all over the Internet. People with the best of intentions continue to spread them.
The facts:
- Sensorineural hearing loss, which is normally associated with aging, has no cure. Once the inner ear is damaged enough to cause hearing loss, it can’t be remedied.
- Modern hearing aids do more than simply amplify sound. They can alter the way sound enters your ears to significantly enhance your listening experience.
- Personal amplification devices only amplify sound. They’re not intended for people with hearing loss.
- A primary care doctor typically won’t suggest a hearing test unless you discuss the issue with him or her.
Cut through the misinformation by getting your hearing tested by a hearing specialist.
4. You may improve your hearing aid experience
If you already have a hearing aid, you may not want to wear it. You may not feel like it enhances 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 are adjusted for your individual listening needs.
5. You’re never too young to get a hearing test
Thirteen percent of individuals 12 and older in the U.S. (30 million people) have measurable hearing loss in both ears. Among adults ages 55 to 64, 8.5% are experiencing disabling hearing loss. Hearing loss is typically due to environmental factors. It’s not simply something that occurs when you get older. Exposure to loud noise causes most of it.
If you engage in the following activities, you’re at higher risk:
- Attend concerts, plays, or movies
- Use a motorized lawnmower
- Work at a noisy job
- Listen to loud music or wear earbuds
- Ride a motorcycle or snowmobile
- Hunting or practice shooting with firearms
All of these everyday activities can cause hearing loss. If you notice a decline in your hearing at any age, you should get your hearing checked by a hearing specialist as soon as possible.
6. Improve your overall health
Individuals with untreated hearing loss have a significantly higher risk of:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Falls that cause injuries
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s
- Social isolation (preferring to be alone)
- Missing or skipping doctor appointments
- Slow healing or frequent hospital admissions
- Longer treatments in hospitals and rehab
Getting your hearing checked is about more than just your hearing.
7. Restore strained relationships
Untreated hearing loss can try the patience of your family members and friends. Misunderstandings are more common. Individuals will get frustrated with the situation, including you. Resentment and regret may follow. Friends and family members might even exclude you from gatherings rather than having to constantly repeat themselves.
But the good news is getting your hearing tested will help repair troubled relationships and prevent misunderstandings from happening again.
Don’t wait. Get your hearing tested by a hearing professional as soon as possible.