Hearing loss often begins with slight, almost unperceivable changes that can be easy to overlook. Typically, it is loved ones who are the first to observe and bring attention to a person’s hearing problem. Although children are regularly assessed, many adults do not consider scheduling a hearing test like they would for their vision.
Indications That You May Require a Hearing Assessment
All through the day, there are many occasions when you could miss certain things and especially not hear the same things as other people.
- Do you often request people to repeat what they said?
- Do you notice that you are boosting the volume on your TV?
- Is it difficult to hear everybody at a loud restaurant?
- Are miscommunications or misinterpretations in your personal or professional life causing disputes?
These kinds of scenarios can happen on a day-to-day basis and continue to impact relationships.
Important Advantages of Scheduling Routine Hearing Assessments
According to the guidelines provided 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 screening every 3 years.
1. Genetics
If other members of your family have hearing issues, this is a very good reason to set up a hearing test with a hearing professional.
2. Establish a Reference Point for Your Present Hearing Level
By knowing your hearing ability in each ear, you can determine potential issues or areas for improvement.
You might be missing certain sounds or experiencing slight hearing problems that could indicate the need for additional assessments 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 pinpoint any changes that may not be obvious to you.
4. Assists in Identifying and Managing Issues at an Early Stage
New tests track changes and how rapidly they are happening, which can help identify and treat issues early, including a buildup of earwax or noise-induced hearing loss.
5. Identify Health Problems
In some instances, hearing loss can be a sign of a more serious root health problem, such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or kidney disease, all of which have been connected to hearing issues and tinnitus. Treating the underlying medical conditions that are causing it could possibly alleviate hearing loss.
6. Minimize Additional Harm
When a patient is without treatment, they can become depressed and fear social settings, encouraging isolation and more depression. Elderly individuals dealing with hearing troubles might be at a higher risk of sustaining injuries due to their inability to hear alert signals such as car horns, smoke alarms, and other warning sounds. Additionally, research has revealed a link between unaddressed hearing loss and an increased risk of developing dementia and experiencing falls.
Getting the Answers You Need
You might have wondered if you’re dealing with some amount of hearing loss. Now you have answers, including the knowledge that hearing aids will enhance not only your hearing but also your relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.
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.
Contact us if you want to schedule a hearing test or if you think you are noticing hearing loss.