Hearing loss frequently begins with slight, almost unperceivable changes that can be easy to miss. Often, it is loved ones who are the first to notice and bring awareness to a person’s hearing problem. While children are regularly tested, many adults do not consider scheduling a hearing test like they would for their vision.
Indications That You Might 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.
- Are you regularly asking people to repeat themselves?
- Do you notice that you are increasing the volume on your TV?
- Is it harder to hear everyone at a noisy restaurant?
- Are miscommunications or misinterpretations in your personal or professional life causing disputes?
These kinds of situations can occur on a daily basis and continue to affect relationships.
Important Advantages of Scheduling Routine Hearing Exams
According to the standards supplied by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, adults are recommended 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 screening every 3 years.
1. Genetic makeup
If your family members are dealing with hearing troubles, it is a good plan to schedule a hearing examination with a professional specializing in hearing health.
2. Establish a Reference Point for Your Current Hearing Level
Once you know your hearing ability in each ear, you become aware of any issues.
You may be missing certain sounds or experiencing slight hearing problems that could signal the need for additional evaluations or interventions.
3. Tracks Progress Over Time
Every fresh test will evaluate recent data alongside previous tests. Certain changes take place slowly, and the tests will pinpoint any changes that may not be noticeable to you.
4. Assists in Recognizing and Addressing Problems at an Early Stage
Advanced diagnostic tools now monitor fluctuations and their rate of progression, enabling healthcare professionals to recognize and manage problems, such as excessive earwax build-up or noise-related hearing damage, at an early stage.
5. Pinpoint Medical Conditions
In some cases 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 managing the medical conditions causing it.
6. Prevent Further Damage
When a patient is without treatment, they can become despondent and fear social situations, encouraging solitude and more depression. Seniors with hearing issues can have increased accidents when they don’t hear warning signals like car horns, smoke alarms, and other sounds that mean danger. Additionally, research has shown a link between unaddressed hearing loss and an increased danger of developing cognitive decline and experiencing 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 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 appropriate hearing aids, you’ll be able to hear more effectively during discussions or work meetings, or simply listen to your child’s laughter or a loved one’s voice.
Reach out to us to arrange a hearing assessment or if you’re concerned that you might be experiencing hearing difficulties.
