The majority of hearing loss is subtle at first, and you may not even recognize a change. Typically, it is loved ones who are the first to observe and bring attention to a person’s hearing trouble. Although children are routinely assessed, many adults do not consider scheduling a hearing test like they would for their vision.
Indications That You Might Require a Hearing Evaluation
There are lots of everyday instances where you might not be hearing everything and definitely not hearing what others do.
- Are you regularly asking people to repeat what they said?
- Are you finding yourself cranking up the volume on your TV?
- Does environmental noise in a busy restaurant make it more difficult to hear and understand conversations?
- Are there misunderstandings at work or at home causing disputes?
These kinds of scenarios can happen on a day-to-day basis and continue to affect relationships.
Specific Reasons to Have Your Hearing Assessed On A Regular Basis
According to the guidelines 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. Genetics
If other members of your family have hearing problems, this is a very good reason to schedule a hearing exam with a hearing professional.
2. Establish a Reference Point for Your Current Hearing Level
Once you are aware of your hearing capacity in each ear, you become aware of any issues.
You might be missing certain sounds or experiencing subtle hearing problems that could indicate the need for additional evaluations or interventions.
3. Tracks Progress Over Time
Each new test will compare new data with past tests. Some changes occur gradually, and the tests will recognize any changes even if you don’t.
4. Assists in Recognizing and Addressing Issues at an Early Stage
New tests track changes and how rapidly they are occurring, which can help identify and manage problems early, including an accumulation of earwax or noise-induced hearing loss.
5. Identify Health Problems
In some instances, hearing loss can be a sign of a more significant underlying health issue, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or kidney disease, all of which have been connected to hearing problems and tinnitus. 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 depressed and fear social situations, encouraging solitude and further depression. Seniors who have 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, neglected hearing loss is associated with cognitive decline 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 improve not only your hearing but also your relationships with family, friends, and co-workers.
After getting the right hearing aids to address your hearing loss, you will experience enhanced hearing ability in conversations, work meetings, and while enjoying the sounds of your child’s laughter or a loved one’s voice.
Get in touch with us if you want to schedule a hearing exam or if you think you are experiencing hearing loss.