Our lives are busy and hectic – 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 perhaps you think it can wait because you don’t recognize you’re afflicted by hearing loss.
Here’s why you shouldn’t put it off:
1. Further Hearing Loss Can be Avoided
Because hearing loss usually progresses slowly, many individuals don’t grasp how bad it’s become. After a while, without even noticing it, they begin compensating and making changes to their lifestyle. And because they don’t recognize they have hearing loss, they continue to engage in activities that 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 might already have, but you can slow its progression.
It will be helpful to find out how to keep your moderate hearing loss from worsening.
The progression of hearing loss can be slowed by more efficiently managing chronic disease, lowering your blood pressure, and exercising more.
Reducing your exposure to loud sounds and wearing earplugs during noisy activities will further protect your inner ears from additional harm.
2. You Don’t Even Realize How Much You’re Missing
If you are experiencing moderate hearing loss, you may have gradually forgotten how much you love listening to music. You might not recall what it’s like to have a conversation without asking family or friends to repeat themselves.
You might find yourself getting further away from doing your favorite activities and spending time with friends.
Getting a hearing test lets you measure your degree of hearing loss. In most instances, we can help make improvements to your hearing.
3. You May Make Your Current Hearing Aid Experience Better
If you already use a hearing aid, you might not want to use it. You might not think they help very much. Getting your hearing re-tested will guarantee you have the hearing aids that work best for you and that they’re set up for your personal listening requirements.
4. You May be at Risk Already
13% 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 55 to64. Environmental factors are usually to blame. It isn’t simply about getting old. Most of it is caused by exposure to loud sound.
If you engage in the following activities, you’re at an increased risk:
- Use a motorized lawnmower
- Hunt or practice shooting with firearms
- Ride loud vehicles including a snowmobile, ATV, or motorcycle
- Have a loud job
- Turn your headphones or earbuds up too loud
- Attend concerts, plays, or movies
Every one of these day-to-day activities can trigger hearing loss. You need to go have your hearing tested by a hearing professional as soon as you can if you notice a decline in your ability to hear regardless of how old you are.
5. It Will Benefit Your Total Health
If you ignore your hearing loss you will have a substantially higher risk of the following:
- Social solitude (preferring to be alone)
- Missing or skipping out on doctor appointments
- Longer time spent in hospitals and rehab
- Falls that result in injuries
- Slow healing or frequent hospital admissions
- Alzheimer’s/dementia
- Depression
- Anxiety
Getting your hearing checked is about more than only your hearing.
6. Strained Relationships Can be Repaired
Untreated hearing loss can try the patience of your friends and family members. It’s more common for misunderstandings to happen. Everyone will become aggravated with the situation, including you. Resentment and regret could follow. Friends and family members might even exclude you from get-togethers rather than having to constantly repeat themselves.
But misunderstandings and troubled relationships can be prevented by getting a hearing test and that’s the good news.