The majority of hearing loss is subtle initially, 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 trouble. Although children are regularly assessed, many adults do not think about scheduling a hearing test like they would for their vision.
Signs You Might Need a Hearing Test
There are lots of everyday instances where you might not be hearing everything and definitely not hearing what others are.
- Are you frequently 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 leading to disputes?
Such incidents can occur regularly and have a lasting impact on interpersonal connections.
Important Advantages of Scheduling Routine Hearing Assessments
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association standards state that adults should get a hearing screening every 10 years up until age 50, and adults over the age of 50 should get one every 3 years.
1. Family History
If other members of your family have hearing issues, this is a very good reason to set up a hearing exam with a hearing professional.
2. Set Your Baseline Hearing
By understanding your hearing ability in each ear, you can pinpoint potential problems or areas for improvement.
You may be missing certain sounds or experiencing slight hearing difficulties that could signal the need for further assessments or interventions.
3. Monitors Progress Over Time
Every new test will evaluate recent data alongside previous tests. Certain adjustments take place slowly, and the tests will pinpoint any alterations that may not be noticeable to you.
4. Assists in Recognizing and Addressing Problems at an Early Stage
New tests track changes and how quickly they are occurring, which can help identify and manage problems early, including a buildup of earwax or noise-induced hearing loss.
5. Pinpoint Medical Conditions
In some cases hearing loss is a symptom of an intrinsic medical condition including diabetes and high blood pressure (linked to hearing loss and tinnitus), plus cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. Treating the underlying medical conditions that are causing it could possibly alleviate hearing loss.
6. Stop Further Damage
If a patient does not get treatment, they may experience feelings of depression and anxiety in social settings, resulting in enhanced seclusion and worsening of their depression. Elderly people dealing with hearing difficulties might be at an increased danger of sustaining injuries as a result of their inability to hear alert signals including car horns, smoke alarms, and other warning sounds. In addition, neglected hearing loss is associated with dementia and falls.
Finding the Information You’re Looking For
You might have wondered if you’re dealing with some degree of hearing loss. You now have the information you need, including the understanding that hearing aids can have a positive effect on multiple facets of your life, improving not only your ability to hear, but also your relationships with loved ones, colleagues, and social circle.
Once your hearing loss is treated 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 family member’s voice.
Reach out to us to arrange a hearing evaluation or if you’re concerned that you might be experiencing hearing difficulties.