The majority of hearing loss is slight initially, and you might not even notice a change. Often, it is loved ones who are the first to recognize and bring awareness to a person’s hearing problem. While children are routinely assessed, many adults do not think about scheduling a hearing exam like they would for their vision.
Indications That You May Require a Hearing Assessment
Throughout the day, there are many occasions when you could miss certain things and especially not hear the same things as other people.
- Are you frequently asking people to repeat themselves?
- Do you notice that you are boosting the volume on your TV?
- Is it difficult to understand everyone at a noisy restaurant?
- Are miscommunications or misinterpretations in your personal or professional life causing conflicts?
Such incidents can take place regularly and have a lasting impact on interpersonal connections.
Important Advantages of Scheduling Regular Hearing Assessments
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 advised to have a hearing screening every 3 years.
1. Family History
If your family members are experiencing hearing troubles, it is a good idea to book a hearing evaluation with an expert specializing in hearing health.
2. Establish a Reference Point for Your Current Hearing Level
By knowing your hearing ability in each ear, you can identify potential issues or areas for improvement.
You might 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 changes occur progressively, and the tests will identify any changes that may not be noticeable to you.
4. Assists in Recognizing and Addressing Issues at an Early Stage
New tests monitor changes and how quickly they are happening, which can help diagnose and manage problems early, including a buildup of earwax or noise-induced hearing loss.
5. Pinpoint Medical Conditions
In some scenarios, hearing loss can be an indicator of a more serious root health issue, including diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or kidney disease, all of which have been linked to hearing issues and tinnitus. You may be able to alleviate hearing loss by treating the medical conditions causing it.
6. Minimize Additional Harm
If a patient does not get treatment, they might experience feelings of depression and anxiety in social settings, leading to increased seclusion and worsening of their depression. Elderly individuals experiencing hearing troubles might be at a higher danger of experiencing injuries due to their inability to hear warning signals such as car horns, smoke alarms, and other warning sounds. Moreover, untreated hearing loss is linked to dementia and falls.
Getting the Answers You Need
Maybe you have suspected you have a hearing loss. Now you have answers, including the understanding that hearing aids will enhance not only your hearing but also your relationships with family, friends, and co-workers.
Once your hearing loss is treated with the appropriate hearing aids, you’ll be able to hear more efficiently during conversations or work meetings, or simply listen to your child’s laughter or a family member’s voice.
Get in touch with us if you want to schedule a hearing exam or if you think you are experiencing hearing loss.
