The majority of hearing loss is slight at first, and you might not even notice a change. Often, it is loved ones who are the first to recognize and bring awareness to a person’s hearing problem. While children are routinely assessed, many adults do not consider scheduling a hearing exam like they would for their vision.
Indications That You May Require a Hearing Evaluation
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?
- Do you notice that you are boosting the volume on your TV?
- Does background noise in a busy restaurant make it more difficult to hear and understand conversations?
- Are there misunderstandings at work or at home causing disagreements?
Such incidents can take place regularly and have a lasting impact on interpersonal connections.
Specific Reasons Why You Should Have Your Hearing Tested Regularly
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association standards state that adults should get a hearing assessment every 10 years up until age 50, and adults over the age of 50 should have one every 3 years.
1. Genetic makeup
If other members of your family have hearing problems, this is an excellent reason to schedule a hearing exam with a hearing specialist.
2. Set Your Baseline Hearing
By understanding your hearing ability in each ear, you can determine potential issues or areas for improvement.
You might be missing certain sounds or experiencing subtle hearing problems that could signal the need for further assessments or interventions.
3. Helps Gauge Future Changes
Each new test will compare new information with past tests. Some changes occur slowly, and the tests will identify any changes even if you can’t.
4. Assists in Identifying and Addressing Problems at an Early Stage
Innovative diagnostic tools now monitor changes and their rate of progression, allowing 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 can be a sign of a more serious root health issue, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or kidney disease, all of which have been linked to hearing problems and tinnitus. Managing the root medical conditions that are causing it could possibly reduce hearing loss.
6. Stop Further Damage
If a patient does not get treatment, they may experience feelings of depression and anxiety in social settings, resulting in enhanced seclusion and worsening of their depression. Seniors who have hearing problems can have increased injuries when they don’t hear warning signals like car horns, smoke alarms, and other sounds that indicate danger. In addition, untreated hearing loss is linked to dementia and falls.
Finding the Information You’re Looking For
Perhaps you have suspected you have a hearing loss. Now you have answers, including the understanding that hearing aids will enhance not only your hearing but also your relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.
Once your hearing loss is managed with the suitable hearing aids, you’ll be able to hear more effectively during conversations or work meetings, or simply listen to your child’s laughter or a loved one’s voice.
Reach out to us to arrange a hearing assessment or if you’re worried that you might be experiencing hearing troubles.
