Most hearing loss is subtle initially, and you might not even detect a change. Actually, it is usually friends and family who alert somebody to their hearing issue. While children are regularly tested, many adults do not consider scheduling a hearing test like they would for their vision.
Indications That You May Require a Hearing Assessment
There are a lot of everyday instances where you might not be hearing everything and certainly not hearing what others are.
- Do you often request people to repeat what they said?
- Do you notice that you are increasing the volume on your TV?
- Is it harder to understand everyone at a noisy restaurant?
- Are miscommunications or misinterpretations in your personal or professional life causing disputes?
Such incidents can take place frequently and have a lasting impact on interpersonal relationships.
Specific Reasons to Have Your Hearing Tested On A Regular Basis
According to the guidelines supplied 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. Genetic makeup
If your family members are experiencing hearing difficulties, it is a good plan to book a hearing examination with an expert specializing in hearing health.
2. Establish a Reference Point for Your Present Hearing Level
Once you know your hearing ability in each ear, you become aware of any problems.
You might be missing certain sounds or experiencing subtle hearing problems that could signal the need for further evaluations or interventions.
3. Helps Measure Future Changes
Each new test will compare new information with previous assessments. Some changes occur gradually, and the tests will identify any changes even if you don’t.
4. Assists in Recognizing and Managing Issues at an Early Stage
New tests monitor changes and how rapidly they are happening, which can help diagnose and treat problems early, including an accumulation of earwax or noise-induced hearing loss.
5. Identify Health Issues
Sometimes hearing loss is a symptom of an underlying medical condition like diabetes and high blood pressure (linked 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 receive treatment, they might experience feelings of depression and anxiety in social situations, resulting in enhanced isolation and worsening of their depression. Elderly people dealing with hearing difficulties may be at an increased risk of sustaining injuries as a result of their inability to hear warning signals such as car horns, smoke alarms, and other warning sounds. In addition, untreated hearing loss is associated with dementia and falls.
Finding the Information You’re Looking For
Maybe you have suspected you have a hearing loss. You now have the information you require, including the understanding that hearing aids can have a positive impact 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 managed with the appropriate 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 loved one’s voice.
Contact us if you want to schedule a hearing exam or if you think you are noticing hearing loss.