Why is it worthwhile to get your hearing examined regularly? That’s because your general health can be considerably impacted by hearing loss. Getting your hearing evaluated regularly can help you detect hearing loss early, get care sooner, and, improve your health, wellness, and quality of life.
Getting a hearing exam – who should do it?
A loss in hearing capability can generate effects that can seriously hinder your health and well-being. For example, hearing loss can lead to extreme social isolation. Even while carrying out tasks such as going to the store, people who suffer from hearing loss will tend to avoid reaching out to friends and family because they have a hard 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.
Hearing loss can cause other issues as well. For instance, untreated hearing loss has been associated with many chronic conditions, including cognitive decline 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 monitor 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 significant
Why would you want to have your hearing tested if it seems healthy? Well, there are several good reasons to take a hearing exam early. Your current level of hearing can be determined by a hearing test and that’s probably the most important thing. This will make it much easier to identify any changes in the future. This is especially true because hearing loss tends to advance gradually, the first symptoms aren’t always apparent.
Getting a baseline hearing test will help detect problems long before you notice them.
2. Diagnose and treat issues earlier
Hearing loss normally advances gradually over time. Consequently, detecting hearing loss early frequently means a better prognosis. This is because you’re able to treat the condition at the earliest possible juncture.
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 problems listed above, such as cognitive decline, depression, and social isolation.
3. It’s easier to assess future changes
Your hearing loss will keep progressing even after you get diagnosed. Routine hearing tests can help you detect changes as you go along, and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.
4. You can prevent further damage to your ears
The majority of hearing loss is caused by damage, the kind of damage that occurs gradually and over time. Your hearing specialist is a substantial 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 instance, we can help you determine ways to protect your ears from day-to-day damage or develop strategies designed to help you keep sounds around you quieter.
How often should I have my hearing examined?
Generally speaking, it’s suggested that adults get a hearing test sometime in their 20s or 30s, on the earlier side. It’s usually ordinary best practice to get a hearing exam every ten years thereafter unless you observe signs of hearing loss or we suggest something more often.
But maybe you’re thinking: what should I expect at my hearing exam? In general, they’re completely non-invasive procedures. 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 we can help you determine what your hearing exam schedule should be.