Hearing loss frequently begins with mild, almost imperceptible changes that can be easy to overlook. Typically, it is loved ones who are the first to recognize and bring awareness to a person’s hearing trouble. While hearing tests are a regular part of childhood, many adults tend to overlook this crucial checkup, unlike regular eye exams that are often prioritized.
Signs You May Need a Hearing Exam
Throughout the day, there are many occasions when you could fail to hear certain things and especially not hear the same things as other people.
- Do you often request people to repeat what they said?
- Are you noticing yourself turning up the volume on your TV?
- Is it harder to hear everybody at a loud restaurant?
- Are miscommunications or misinterpretations in your personal or professional life leading to disputes?
Such episodes can occur regularly and have a lasting impact on interpersonal relationships.
Specific Reasons to Have Your Hearing Assessed Regularly
According to the guidelines provided 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 recommended to have a hearing assessment every 3 years.
1. Family History
If other members of your family have hearing problems, this is an excellent reason to set up a hearing test with a hearing specialist.
2. Set Your Baseline Hearing
Once you know your hearing ability in each ear, you become aware of any issues.
There are sounds you might not be hearing and impairments that might require further tests or treatments.
3. Helps Measure Future Changes
Every new test will compare new data with past tests. Some changes happen gradually, and the tests will recognize any changes even if you can’t.
4. Helps in Recognizing and Addressing Issues at an Early Stage
New tests monitor changes and how rapidly they are occurring, which can help diagnose and manage problems early, such as a buildup of earwax or noise-induced hearing loss.
5. Diagnose Medical Conditions
In some scenarios, 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 connected to hearing issues and tinnitus. Treating the underlying medical conditions that are causing it could potentially alleviate hearing loss.
6. Minimize Additional Harm
If a patient does not get treatment, they may experience feelings of depression and anxiety in social settings, leading to enhanced isolation and worsening of their depression. Elderly people experiencing hearing troubles might be at a higher danger of sustaining injuries due to their inability to hear alert signals including car horns, smoke alarms, and other warning sounds. In addition, untreated hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline and 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 awareness that hearing aids can have a positive effect on multiple facets of your life, enhancing not only your ability to hear, but also your relationships with loved ones, colleagues, and social circle.
After getting the correct hearing aids to address your hearing loss, you will experience improved hearing ability in conversations, work meetings, and while enjoying the sounds of your child’s laughter or a loved one’s voice.
Reach out to us to set up a hearing assessment or if you’re concerned that you may be experiencing hearing difficulties.
