Most hearing loss is subtle initially, and you might not even detect a change. 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 regular eye exams that are often prioritized.
Indications That You Might Require a Hearing Evaluation
Throughout the day, there are many occasions when you might miss certain things and especially not hear the same things as other people.
- Are you frequently asking people to repeat what they said?
- Are you finding yourself cranking up the volume on your TV?
- Is it difficult to understand everybody at a loud restaurant?
- Are miscommunications or misinterpretations in your personal or professional life leading to disputes?
These kinds of situations can occur on a daily basis and continue to affect relationships.
Important Benefits of Scheduling Regular Hearing Assessments
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 your family members are dealing with hearing difficulties, it is a good plan to schedule a hearing evaluation with an expert specializing in hearing health.
2. Set Your Baseline Hearing
Once you are aware of your hearing ability in each ear, you become aware of any problems.
You might be missing certain sounds or experiencing subtle hearing difficulties that could indicate the need for additional assessments or interventions.
3. Monitors Progress Over Time
Every new test will evaluate recent data alongside previous tests. Certain changes occur progressively, and the tests will pinpoint any changes that might not be noticeable to you.
4. Assists in Recognizing and Addressing Problems at an Early Stage
New tests monitor changes and how rapidly they are occurring, which can help diagnose and manage problems early, including a buildup of earwax or noise-induced hearing loss.
5. Pinpoint Medical Conditions
In some cases hearing loss is a symptom of an underlying medical condition like 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 managing the medical conditions causing it.
6. Stop Further Damage
If a patient does not get treatment, they might experience feelings of depression and anxiety in social situations, leading to increased isolation and worsening of their depression. Seniors with hearing problems can have increased injuries when they don’t hear warning signals like car horns, smoke alarms, and other sounds that mean danger. Moreover, untreated hearing loss is associated with cognitive decline and falls.
Finding the Information You’re Looking For
You might have wondered if you’re experiencing some degree of hearing loss. Now you have answers, including the knowledge that hearing aids will enhance not only your hearing but also your relationships with family, friends, and co-workers.
After receiving 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.
