The majority of hearing loss is subtle at first, and you may not even detect a change. Often, it is loved ones who are the first to notice and bring attention to a person’s hearing problem. While hearing tests are a routine part of childhood, many adults tend to disregard this important checkup, unlike regular eye exams that are often prioritized.
Indications That You May Require a Hearing Assessment
There are a lot of daily instances where you may not be hearing everything and definitely not hearing what others do.
- Do you often request people to repeat what they said?
- Do you notice that you are boosting the volume on your TV?
- Is it difficult to understand everyone at a loud restaurant?
- Are miscommunications or misinterpretations in your personal or professional life leading to conflicts?
These kinds of situations can happen on a daily basis and continue to affect relationships.
Specific Reasons Why You Should Have Your Hearing Tested Regularly
According to the standards supplied by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, adults are advised to have a hearing screening every 10 years before reaching the age of 50. For adults aged 50 and above, it is advised to have a hearing assessment every 3 years.
1. Family History
If your family members are dealing with hearing difficulties, it is a good idea to schedule a hearing evaluation with a professional specializing in hearing health.
2. Set Your Baseline Hearing
By knowing your hearing ability in each ear, you can identify potential problems or areas for improvement.
There are sounds you may not be hearing and impairments that might require further evaluations or treatments.
3. Helps Measure Future Changes
Every fresh test will analyze recent data together with previous tests. Certain changes occur progressively, and the tests will pinpoint any alterations that may not be obvious to you.
4. Helps Diagnose and Treat Early Problems
New tests monitor changes and how rapidly they are happening, which can help identify and manage issues early, including a buildup of earwax or noise-induced hearing loss.
5. Diagnose Medical Conditions
In some cases, hearing loss can be a sign of a more significant underlying health issue, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or kidney disease, all of which have been connected to hearing issues and tinnitus. Managing the root medical conditions that are causing it could potentially 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, leading to increased isolation and worsening of their depression. Seniors who have hearing issues can have increased injuries when they don’t hear warning signals like car horns, smoke alarms, and other sounds that indicate danger. Furthermore, research has shown a connection between unaddressed hearing loss and an elevated risk of developing dementia and experiencing falls.
Getting the Answers You Need
Perhaps 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 co-workers.
Once your hearing loss is managed with the suitable hearing aids, you’ll be able to hear more efficiently during conversations or work meetings, or simply listen to your child’s laughter or a loved one’s voice.
Get in touch with us if you want to schedule a hearing test or if you think you are experiencing hearing loss.