Most hearing loss is subtle at first, and you might not even notice a change. Actually, it is usually friends and family who alert someone to their hearing issue. While hearing tests are a routine part of childhood, many adults tend to disregard this important checkup, unlike routine eye exams that are frequently prioritized.

Indications That You May Require a Hearing Evaluation

There are lots of daily 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?
• Does environmental noise in a loud restaurant make it more difficult to hear and comprehend conversations?
• Are there misunderstandings at work or at home leading to disputes?

Such episodes can occur frequently and have a lasting impact on interpersonal connections.

Specific Reasons Why You Should Have Your Hearing Assessed Regularly

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association standards state that adults should get a hearing assessment every 10 years up until age 50, and adults over the age of 50 should get one every 3 years.

1. Family History

If your family members are dealing with hearing difficulties, it is a good plan to schedule a hearing evaluation with an expert specializing in hearing health.

2. Set Your Baseline Hearing

Once you know your hearing capacity in each ear, you become aware of any issues.
There are sounds you may not be hearing and impairments that might indicate further tests or treatments.

3. Helps Gauge Future Changes

Each new test will compare new information with past assessments. Some changes occur slowly, and the tests will recognize any changes even if you can’t.

4. Assists in Recognizing and Addressing Issues at an Early Stage

New tests monitor changes and how rapidly they are happening, which can help diagnose and manage issues early, such as a buildup of earwax or noise-induced hearing loss.

5. Pinpoint Medical Conditions

In some scenarios, hearing loss can be a sign of a more significant underlying health problem, including diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or kidney disease, all of which have been connected to hearing issues and tinnitus. Treating the root medical conditions that are causing it could potentially reduce hearing loss.

6. Decrease Additional Harm

When a patient is without treatment, they can become depressed and fear social situations, inviting solitude and further depression. Seniors who have hearing issues can have increased accidents when they don’t hear warning signals like car horns, smoke alarms, and other sounds that indicate danger. Additionally, research has shown a connection between neglected hearing loss and an increased risk of developing cognitive decline and experiencing falls.

Finding the Information You’re Looking For

Perhaps you have suspected you have a 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, enhancing 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 suitable hearing aids, you’ll be able to hear more effectively during discussions 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 experiencing hearing loss.