Why is it important to get your hearing tested regularly? Well, the reality is that hearing loss can have substantial and long-term effects on your general health. Getting your hearing assessed regularly can help you detect hearing loss early, get care quicker, and, improve your health, wellness, and quality of life.
Getting a hearing exam – who should do it?
Your health and well-being can be significantly affected by untreated hearing loss. For example, hearing loss can result in extreme social isolation. Discussions with family and friends can become more challenging, and people with hearing loss might be less likely to reach out to other people, even during routine activities like grocery shopping or going to work. It may not be shocking that this kind of social isolation can lead to mental health problems, but it might come as a surprise to find out that it can be harmful to your physical health too.
Other health problems can be the result of untreated hearing loss also. For instance, neglected hearing loss has been linked to many chronic conditions, including dementia and depression. It’s also been linked to a number of comorbidities, including diabetes, heart issues, and high blood pressure.
As a result, it’s generally a good idea for just about anyone to schedule a routine hearing test.
You should get your hearing tested for these four reasons
Getting your hearing tested can be helpful to your general health for four distinct reasons.
1. Setting a baseline for your hearing is important
Why would you want to have your hearing tested if it seems healthy? Well, there are several good reasons to take a hearing test early. Your present 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 gradually, the first symptoms are not always noticeable.
Before you notice any symptoms, a hearing test will help detect hearing loss in its early stages.
2. Diagnose and treat issues earlier
Hearing loss is usually a gradual condition, meaning it tends to get worse 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 hearing protection or possibly wearing hearing aids. Many of the associated issues like cognitive decline, social isolation, and depression can be avoided with early treatment.
3. It’s easier to measure future changes
Even if you’re diagnosed with hearing loss, that doesn’t mean your hearing won’t continue to get worse as you get older. Routine hearing assessments can help you identify changes as you go along, and make adjustments to your treatment plan as necessary.
4. You can prevent further damage to your ears
Most hearing loss is caused by damage, the type of damage that happens slowly and over time. Visiting us regularly to get your hearing checked helps you detect that damage as early as possible, and it also gives you access to a substantial resource: your hearing specialist. 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 protect your ears from day-to-day damage or establish strategies created to help you keep sounds around you quieter.
How often should I have my hearing examined?
Generally speaking, it’s suggested that adults undergo a hearing test sometime in their 20s or 30s, on the earlier side. It’s usually standard best practice to get a hearing exam every ten years thereafter unless you detect signs of hearing loss or we recommend something more often.
But perhaps you’re thinking: what should I expect at my hearing test? Generally, they’re entirely non-invasive procedures. Typically, you simply listen for some tones in a special set of headphones.
We will be able to help you get the care you require, 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.