Most hearing loss is slight at first, and you might not even detect a change. Typically, it is loved ones who are the first to recognize and bring awareness to a person’s hearing problem. While hearing tests are a routine part of childhood, many adults tend to neglect this crucial checkup, unlike routine eye exams that are often prioritized.
Indications That You May Require a Hearing Assessment
Throughout the day, there are many occasions 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?
- Are you noticing yourself turning up the volume on your TV?
- Is it harder to hear everybody at a loud restaurant?
- Are there misunderstandings at work or at home causing disagreements?
Such episodes can occur regularly and have a lasting impact on interpersonal connections.
Specific Reasons Why You Should Have Your Hearing Checked Regularly
According to the standards provided by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, adults are recommended to have a hearing assessment 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 your family members are experiencing hearing difficulties, it is a good plan to schedule a hearing examination with an expert specializing in hearing health.
2. Set Your Baseline Hearing
By understanding your hearing ability in each ear, you can determine potential issues or areas for improvement.
You may be missing certain sounds or experiencing subtle hearing difficulties that could signal the need for further evaluations or interventions.
3. Helps Measure Future Changes
Every new test will analyze recent data alongside previous tests. Certain changes take place progressively, and the tests will identify any changes that might not be obvious to you.
4. Helps in Identifying and Addressing Problems at an Early Stage
Advanced diagnostic tools now keep track of fluctuations and their rate of advancement, allowing healthcare professionals to recognize and manage problems, such as excessive earwax accumulation or noise-related hearing damage, at an early stage.
5. Identify Health Problems
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. Treating the underlying medical conditions that are causing it could potentially reduce 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 seclusion and worsening of their depression. Elderly individuals dealing with hearing difficulties may be at an increased risk of experiencing injuries as a result of their inability to hear warning signals including car horns, smoke alarms, and other warning sounds. Moreover, untreated hearing loss is associated with dementia and falls.
Finding the Information You’re Looking For
Perhaps you have suspected you have a hearing loss. Now you have answers, including the understanding that hearing aids will enhance not only your hearing but also your relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.
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 family member’s voice.
Reach out to us to set up a hearing assessment or if you’re concerned that you might be experiencing hearing troubles.