Why is getting regular hearing assessments significant? Well, the truth is that hearing loss can have substantial and long-term impacts on your general wellness. Having your hearing evaluated regularly can help you identify hearing loss early, get care faster, and, improve your health, well-being, and quality of life.
Getting a hearing test – who should do it?
A loss in hearing ability can generate effects that can seriously impede your health and well-being. Social isolation, for example, can be a result of untreated hearing loss. Even while carrying out tasks like going to the store, people who suffer from hearing loss will tend to avoid reaching out to family and friends because they have a difficult time making out conversations. It might not be shocking that this type of social isolation can result in mental health issues, but it may come as a surprise to find out that it can be detrimental to your physical health too.
Other health problems can be the result of untreated hearing loss also. Numerous chronic conditions, including depression and dementia, have been associated with untreated hearing loss. It’s also been linked to a number of comorbidities, including diabetes, heart issues, and high blood pressure.
This means that it’s generally a good idea for just about anyone to schedule a routine hearing test.
Four reasons to check your hearing
There are four significant reasons why checking your hearing can be beneficial to your overall health.
1. Setting a baseline for your hearing is important
It might seem ridiculous to take a hearing test while your hearing is still healthy, right? Well, getting a hearing exam early is a good idea for several reasons. Your current level of hearing can be determined by a hearing test and that’s probably the most important thing. If your hearing changes in the future, this will make it easier to identify. This is especially true because hearing loss tends to advance slowly, the first symptoms aren’t always obvious.
Before you observe any symptoms, a hearing exam will help detect hearing loss in its early stages.
2. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential
Hearing loss is usually a gradual condition, meaning it often gets worse over time. As a result, identifying hearing loss early frequently means a better prognosis. If you treat the condition as early as you can, you will have more positive results.
Early treatment may include anything from taking measures to safeguard your hearing like using ear protection in loud spaces to using hearing aids. Treatment can help you avoid many of the associated problems listed above, such as cognitive decline, depression, and social isolation.
3. Future changes will be easier to evaluate
Even if you are diagnosed with hearing loss, that doesn’t mean your hearing will remain static for the rest of your life. Regular hearing assessments can facilitate early detection and your treatment plan can be adjusted as needed.
4. You can avoid additional damage to your ears
Most hearing loss is caused by damage, the type of damage that happens gradually and over time. Your hearing specialist is a significant resource and seeing us regularly will help you detect any hearing loss as early as possible. We can give you information, treatments, and best practices that can help keep your hearing as healthy as possible.
For example, we can help you determine ways to safeguard your ears from day-to-day damage or establish strategies created to help you keep sounds around you quieter.
How often should I get my hearing assessed?
On the earlier side, adults should wait no longer than their early twenties to start routine hearing exams. Unless we suggest more frequent visits or if you notice any hearing issues, at least every ten years will be the advised interval for hearing tests.
What should I expect my hearing exam to be like? In general, they’re totally non-invasive procedures. Often, all you do is wear special headphones and listen for a particular sound.
We will be able to help you get the care you need, whether you need a set of hearing aids or you just need to protect your ears. And a hearing exam can help you determine when the best time to get your care may be.