Most hearing loss is subtle at first, and you might not even notice a change. Actually, it is usually family and friends who tip off someone to their hearing issue. Although children are regularly assessed, many adults do not consider scheduling a hearing exam like they would for their vision.
Signs You May Need a Hearing Test
Throughout the day, there are many instances when you might miss 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 increasing 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 leading to disputes?
Such incidents can take place frequently and have a lasting impact on interpersonal connections.
Specific Reasons Why You Should Have Your Hearing Tested Regularly
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. Family History
If your family members are dealing with hearing troubles, it is a good idea to schedule a hearing examination with an expert specializing in hearing health.
2. Establish a Reference Point for Your Current 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 might require further tests or treatments.
3. Helps Gauge Future Changes
Every fresh test will evaluate recent data alongside previous tests. Certain adjustments take place progressively, and the tests will identify any changes that may not be noticeable to you.
4. Helps Diagnose and Treat Early Issues
New tests monitor changes and how quickly they are happening, which can help diagnose and treat issues early, including a buildup of earwax or noise-induced hearing loss.
5. Detect Health Issues
Sometimes hearing loss is a symptom of an intrinsic medical condition including diabetes and high blood pressure (connected to hearing loss and tinnitus), plus cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. You might be able to alleviate hearing loss by treating the medical conditions causing it.
6. Minimize Additional Harm
When a patient doesn’t get treatment, they can become depressed and fear social situations, encouraging solitude and further depression. Elderly people dealing with hearing difficulties might be at an increased risk of experiencing injuries due to their inability to hear warning signals including car horns, smoke alarms, and other warning sounds. Additionally, research has shown a link between neglected hearing loss and an increased risk of developing cognitive decline and experiencing falls.
Finding the Information You’re Looking For
You may have wondered if you’re dealing with some degree of hearing impairment. You now have the information you need, including the understanding that hearing aids can have a positive effect on multiple areas of your life, enhancing not only your ability to hear, but also your relationships with loved ones, colleagues, and social circle.
Once your hearing loss is treated 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 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 difficulties.