From cooking meals to our jobs to social events – our lives are busy and hectic. It probably seems like there’s not enough time to get your hearing examined. And maybe you believe it can wait because you don’t recognize you’re experiencing hearing loss.
You shouldn’t put it off – here’s why:
1. Additional Hearing Loss Can be Prevented
Many individuals don’t appreciate how serious their hearing loss is becoming because it advances so gradually. Over time, they begin compensating and changing their lifestyle without knowing it. And because they don’t recognize they have hearing loss, they keep engaging in activities that worsen their hearing loss.
But knowledge is power.
It can be an eye-opener to have your hearing checked. There isn’t any way to undo any hearing loss you might have already suffered, but you can slow its progression.
It will be helpful to find out how to keep your moderate hearing loss from worsening.
Exercising, lowering your blood pressure, and managing chronic diseases more thoroughly can slow hearing loss progression.
Your ears will be safeguarded from further damage by wearing ear protection when exposed to loud noises and reducing your exposure.
2. You’re Missing More Than You Realize
You might have gradually forgotten your appreciation for music if you’ve been dealing with moderate hearing loss. You may not recall what it’s like to have a discussion without asking friends or family members to repeat themselves.
You might have slowly distanced yourself from friends or your favorite experiences.
You can find out just how much hearing loss you have by getting a hearing exam. In the majority of cases, we can help you hear better.
3. You Might Enhance Your Hearing Aid Experience
If you already use a hearing aid, you might not want to use it. You might not feel like it enhances your listening experience. Going to a hearing specialist and getting your hearing re-analyzed will ensure you have the hearing aids that work best for you and that they are set up for your personal listening requirements.
4. It’s Possible That You’re Already at Risk
13% of people 12 and older in the U.S. (30 million people) have measurable hearing loss in both ears. And debilitating hearing loss is experienced by 8.5% of adults 55 to64. Environmental factors are usually to blame. It’s not simply about aging. The majority of it is caused by exposure to loud noise.
If you participate in the following things, you’re at a greater risk:
- Work at a noisy job
- Mow the lawn
- Hunt or practice shooting with firearms
- Ride loud vehicles including a snowmobile, ATV, or motorcycle
- Turn your headphones or earbuds up too loud
- Go to concerts, plays, or concerts
Every one of these daily activities can trigger hearing loss. If you observe a decline in your hearing at any age, you should have your hearing examined by a hearing specialist as soon as possible.
5. It Will Benefit Your Overall Health
If you ignore your hearing loss you will have a considerably higher risk of the following:
- Missing or skipping out on doctor appointments
- Falls that result in injuries
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s
- Slow healing or repeated hospital visits
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Social solitude (preferring to be alone)
- Longer time spent in hospitals and rehab
Having your hearing checked is about more than only your hearing.
6. Tense Relationships Can be Repaired
Friends and family members can lose their patience when dealing with someone who has neglected hearing loss. Misunderstandings are more common. People will become irritated with the situation, including you. Resentment and regret could follow. Family members and friends may even exclude you from get-togethers rather than having to constantly repeat what they said.
But the good news is, getting your hearing checked will help repair stressed relationships and prevent misunderstandings from occurring again.