Most hearing loss is subtle initially, and you might not even notice a change. Actually, it is normally family and friends who alert someone to their hearing problem. While hearing tests are a routine part of childhood, many adults tend to neglect this crucial checkup, unlike regular eye exams that are often prioritized.
Indications That You May Require a Hearing Evaluation
There are lots of daily instances where you may not be hearing everything and certainly not hearing what others are.
- Are you regularly asking people to repeat themselves?
- Do you notice that you are increasing the volume on your TV?
- Does environmental noise in a busy restaurant make it more difficult to hear and comprehend conversations?
- Are there misunderstandings at work or at home causing disagreements?
These type of scenarios can happen on a day-to-day basis and continue to impact relationships.
Important Benefits of Scheduling Routine Hearing Exams
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association guidelines state that adults should get a hearing screening every 10 years up until age 50, and adults over the age of 50 should have one every 3 years.
1. Genetics
If your family members are dealing with hearing troubles, it is a good plan to schedule a hearing examination with a professional specializing in hearing health.
2. Establish a Reference Point for Your Present Hearing Level
By knowing your hearing ability in each ear, you can identify potential issues or areas for improvement.
There are sounds you may not be hearing and impairments that may require further evaluations or treatments.
3. Helps Gauge Future Changes
Every new test will compare new information with previous tests. Some changes happen slowly, and the tests will recognize any changes even if you don’t.
4. Helps Diagnose and Treat Early Problems
Innovative diagnostic tools now monitor fluctuations and their rate of progression, enabling healthcare professionals to identify and manage issues, such as excessive earwax build-up or noise-related hearing damage, at an early stage.
5. Pinpoint Medical Conditions
In some cases hearing loss is a symptom of an intrinsic medical condition including diabetes and high blood pressure (linked to hearing loss and tinnitus), plus cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. Treating the root medical conditions that are causing it could possibly alleviate hearing loss.
6. Prevent Further Damage
If a patient does not receive treatment, they might experience feelings of depression and anxiety in social situations, resulting in enhanced isolation and worsening of their depression. Seniors with hearing issues can have increased injuries when they don’t hear warning signals like car horns, smoke alarms, and other sounds that mean danger. Additionally, research has revealed a connection between unaddressed hearing loss and an elevated risk of developing dementia and experiencing falls.
Finding the Information You’re Looking For
Maybe 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 colleagues.
After getting the correct hearing aids to manage your hearing loss, you will experience enhanced listening ability in conversations, work meetings, and while enjoying the sounds of your child’s laughter or a family member’s voice.
Reach out to us to set up a hearing evaluation or if you’re concerned that you may be experiencing hearing troubles.
