Hearing loss often starts out with slight, almost imperceptible changes that can be easy to overlook. Often, it is loved ones who are the first to recognize and bring attention to a person’s hearing problem. Although children are routinely assessed, many adults do not consider scheduling a hearing test like they would for their vision.
Clues You May Need a Hearing Exam
Throughout the day, there are many instances when you might miss certain things and especially not hear the same things as other people.
- Are you regularly asking people to repeat what they said?
- Do you notice that you are increasing the volume on your TV?
- Does background noise in a loud restaurant make it more difficult to hear and understand conversations?
- Are miscommunications or misinterpretations in your personal or professional life causing disputes?
Such episodes can take place frequently and have a lasting impact on interpersonal connections.
Specific Reasons Why You Should Have Your Hearing Assessed On A Regular Basis
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. Family History
If other members of your family have hearing problems, this is a very good reason to schedule a hearing exam with a hearing specialist.
2. Set Your Baseline Hearing
Once you are aware of your hearing ability in each ear, you become aware of any problems.
There are sounds you may not be hearing and impairments that may require further evaluations or treatments.
3. Tracks Progress Over Time
Every fresh test will analyze recent data together with previous tests. Certain adjustments take place slowly, and the tests will pinpoint any alterations that might not be noticeable to you.
4. Assists in Identifying and Addressing Issues at an Early Stage
New tests track changes and how rapidly they are occurring, which can help identify and treat problems early, such as a buildup of earwax or noise-induced hearing loss.
5. Diagnose Medical Conditions
In some instances, hearing loss can be an indicator of a more significant root health issue, including diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or kidney disease, all of which have been connected to hearing problems and tinnitus. You may be able to alleviate hearing loss by managing the medical conditions causing it.
6. Minimize Additional Harm
If a patient does not receive treatment, they might experience feelings of depression and anxiety in social situations, resulting in enhanced seclusion and worsening of their depression. Elderly individuals dealing with hearing troubles may be at an increased danger of sustaining injuries as a result of their inability to hear alert signals including car horns, smoke alarms, and other warning sounds. In addition, neglected hearing loss is associated with cognitive decline and falls.
Getting the Answers You Need
You may have wondered if you’re experiencing some degree of hearing impairment. You now have the information you need, including the understanding that hearing aids can have a positive impact on multiple areas of your life, enhancing not only your ability to hear, but also your relationships 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.
Get in touch with us if you want to schedule a hearing exam or if you think you are experiencing hearing loss.