The majority of hearing loss is slight at first, and you may not even notice a change. Actually, it is usually family and friends who alert somebody to their hearing problem. Although children are regularly tested, many adults do not think about scheduling a hearing test like they would for their vision.
Signs You Might Need a Hearing Exam
All through the day, there are many occasions when you might fail to hear certain things and especially not hear the same things as other people.
- Do you often request people to repeat what they said?
- Are you noticing yourself turning up the volume on your TV?
- Does environmental noise in a loud restaurant make it harder to hear and comprehend conversations?
- Are there misunderstandings at work or at home causing disagreements?
Such episodes can take place regularly and have a lasting impact on interpersonal relationships.
Specific Reasons to Have Your Hearing Checked On A Regular Basis
According to the guidelines supplied by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, adults are advised to have a hearing assessment every 10 years before reaching the age of 50. For adults aged 50 and above, it is recommended to have a hearing screening every 3 years.
1. Genetics
If your family members are dealing with hearing difficulties, it is a good idea to schedule a hearing examination with a professional specializing in hearing health.
2. Set Your Baseline Hearing
By understanding your hearing ability in each ear, you can identify potential problems or areas for improvement.
There are sounds you might not be hearing and impairments that might require further tests or treatments.
3. Helps Measure Future Changes
Each new test will compare new information with past assessments. Some changes occur gradually, and the tests will recognize any changes even if you don’t.
4. Assists in Recognizing and Addressing Problems at an Early Stage
Advanced diagnostic tools now monitor fluctuations and their rate of progression, enabling healthcare professionals to identify and address problems, like excessive earwax build-up or noise-related hearing damage, at an early stage.
5. Diagnose Medical Conditions
In some cases, hearing loss can be an indicator of a more serious underlying health problem, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or kidney disease, all of which have been linked to hearing issues and tinnitus. You may be able to alleviate hearing loss by treating the medical conditions causing it.
6. Stop Further Damage
If a patient does not get treatment, they might experience feelings of depression and anxiety in social settings, leading to increased seclusion and worsening of their depression. Seniors who have hearing issues can have increased accidents when they don’t hear warning signals like car horns, smoke alarms, and other sounds that mean danger. Additionally, research has shown a link between unaddressed hearing loss and an elevated risk of developing cognitive decline and experiencing falls.
Getting the Answers You Need
Perhaps you have suspected you have a hearing loss. Now you have answers, including the understanding that hearing aids will improve not only your hearing but also your relationships with family, friends, and co-workers.
Once your hearing loss is treated with the appropriate hearing aids, you’ll be able to hear more effectively during discussions or work meetings, or simply listen to your child’s laughter or a loved one’s voice.
Reach out to us to set up a hearing assessment or if you’re concerned that you may be experiencing hearing difficulties.
