Hearing loss often begins with slight, almost imperceptible changes that can be easy to miss. In fact, it is usually family and friends who tip off someone to their hearing problem. While hearing exams are a routine part of childhood, many adults tend to overlook this crucial checkup, unlike routine eye exams that are frequently prioritized.
Clues You Might Need a Hearing Test
Throughout the day, there are many instances when you could fail to hear certain things and especially not hear the same things as other people.
- Are you frequently asking people to repeat themselves?
- Are you finding yourself turning up the volume on your TV?
- Is it difficult to hear everyone at a noisy restaurant?
- Are miscommunications or misinterpretations in your personal or professional life leading to conflicts?
These type of scenarios can occur on a daily basis and continue to affect relationships.
Important Benefits of Scheduling Routine Hearing Exams
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association guidelines 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 issues, this is an excellent reason to set up a hearing exam with a hearing professional.
2. Establish a Reference Point for Your Present Hearing Level
By understanding your hearing ability in each ear, you can pinpoint potential issues or areas for improvement.
There are sounds you may not be hearing and impairments that may indicate further tests or treatments.
3. Helps Measure Future Changes
Every fresh test will analyze recent data alongside previous tests. Certain adjustments occur slowly, and the tests will identify any changes that might not be obvious to you.
4. Assists in Identifying and Managing Problems at an Early Stage
Advanced diagnostic tools now monitor fluctuations and their rate of progression, allowing healthcare professionals to recognize and manage problems, like excessive earwax build-up or noise-related hearing damage, at an early stage.
5. Identify Health Issues
In some instances, 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 issues and tinnitus. You may be able to alleviate hearing loss by treating the medical conditions causing it.
6. Prevent 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 issues can have increased accidents when they don’t hear warning signals like car horns, smoke alarms, and other sounds that indicate danger. In addition, neglected hearing loss is associated with cognitive decline and falls.
Getting the Answers You Need
You might have wondered if you’re experiencing some amount of hearing impairment. You now have the information you need, including the understanding that hearing aids can have a positive impact on numerous facets of your life, enhancing not only your ability to hear, but also your connections with loved ones, colleagues, and social circle.
After getting the right hearing aids to address your hearing loss, you will experience improved listening ability in conversations, work meetings, and while enjoying the sounds of your child’s laughter or a family member’s voice.
Contact us if you want to schedule a hearing test or if you think you are experiencing hearing loss.