Why is getting regular hearing tests significant? That’s because your overall health can be considerably affected by hearing loss. Getting your hearing assessed regularly can help you detect hearing loss early, get care quicker, and, improve your health, well-being, and quality of life.
Who should get a hearing examination?
Your health and well-being can be seriously affected by neglected hearing loss. For instance, hearing loss can result in extreme social isolation. Even while doing tasks such as going to the store, people who suffer from hearing loss will often avoid reaching out to family and friends because they have a difficult time understanding conversations. It might not be shocking that this type of social isolation can result in mental health problems, but it might come as a surprise to discover that it can be detrimental to your physical health too.
Other health issues can be the result of untreated hearing loss also. For example, untreated hearing loss has been associated with many chronic conditions, including dementia and depression. Comorbidities, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease have also been associated with hearing loss.
This means that it’s generally a good idea for just about anybody to schedule a routine hearing test.
Four reasons to check your hearing
Getting your hearing checked can be helpful to your overall health for four specific reasons.
1. Establishing a baseline for your hearing is important
It might seem foolish to take a hearing test while your hearing is still healthy, right? Well, there are a number of good reasons to get a hearing test early. Your current level of hearing can be established by a hearing exam and that’s probably the most important thing. If your hearing changes in the future, this will make it easier to detect. Early symptoms of hearing loss usually go undetected because hearing loss usually develops slowly over time.
Before you observe any symptoms, a hearing exam will help identify hearing loss in its early stages.
2. Diagnose and treat issues earlier
Hearing loss usually advances slowly over time. Consequently, catching hearing loss early frequently means a better prognosis. This is because you’re capable of treating the condition at the earliest possible time.
When you get treatment early it will mean doing things like using ear protection or possibly wearing hearing aids. Treatment can help you avoid many of the related issues listed above, such as cognitive decline, depression, and social isolation.
3. It’s easier to measure future changes
Even if you are diagnosed with hearing loss, that doesn’t mean your hearing won’t continue to get worse as you get older. Routine hearing exams can help you identify changes as you go along, and make changes to your treatment plan as needed.
4. You can avoid further damage to your ears
Most hearing loss is caused by damage, the kind of damage that happens slowly and over time. Your hearing specialist is a substantial resource and seeing us regularly will help you identify any hearing loss as early as possible. We can help you keep your hearing as healthy as possible by providing you with treatments, best practices, and information.
For example, we can help you figure out ways to safeguard your ears from day-to-day damage or develop strategies created to help you keep sounds around you quieter.
How often should I have my hearing examined?
On the earlier side, adults should wait no longer than their early twenties to start routine hearing exams. It’s usually ordinary best practice to get a hearing test every ten years thereafter unless you detect signs of hearing loss or we suggest something more often.
But maybe you’re thinking: what should I expect at my hearing test? Hearing exams are generally entirely non-invasive. Often, all you do is wear special headphones and listen for a specific sound.
Whether you need some hearing protection or a new set of hearing aids, we will be able to help you with the best hearing care. And a hearing test can help you determine when the best time to get your care may be.