Hearing loss often starts out with mild, almost unperceivable changes that can be easy to overlook. In fact, it is usually family and friends who tip off somebody 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 often prioritized.

Clues You May Need a Hearing Exam

There are a lot of everyday instances where you may not be hearing everything and certainly not hearing what others do.

• Are you frequently asking people to repeat what they said?
• Do you notice that you are increasing the volume on your TV?
• Is it harder to hear everyone at a loud restaurant?
• Are there misunderstandings at work or at home leading to disputes?

Such incidents can take place regularly and have a lasting impact on interpersonal relationships.

Important Advantages of Scheduling Routine Hearing Exams

According to the guidelines provided by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, adults are recommended to have a hearing assessment every 10 years before reaching the age of 50. For adults aged 50 and above, it is advised to have a hearing screening every 3 years.

1. Family History

If your family members are dealing with hearing troubles, it is a good idea to book a hearing examination with an expert specializing in hearing health.

2. Set Your Baseline Hearing

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

3. Helps Measure Future Changes

Every new test will evaluate recent data alongside previous tests. Certain adjustments occur progressively, and the tests will pinpoint any changes that might not be obvious to you.

4. Helps Diagnose and Treat Early Issues

New tests monitor changes and how quickly they are happening, which can help diagnose and treat problems early, including an accumulation of earwax or noise-induced hearing loss.

5. Pinpoint Medical Conditions

Sometimes hearing loss is a symptom of an intrinsic medical condition including diabetes and high blood pressure (linked to hearing loss and tinnitus), plus cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. You may be able to alleviate hearing loss by treating the medical conditions causing it.

6. Minimize Additional Harm

If a patient does not receive treatment, they may experience feelings of depression and anxiety in social settings, leading to enhanced isolation and worsening of their depression. Elderly individuals experiencing hearing difficulties might be at a higher risk of sustaining injuries due to their inability to hear alert signals such as car horns, smoke alarms, and other warning sounds. In addition, untreated hearing loss is associated with dementia and falls.

Getting the Answers You Need

You may have wondered if you’re dealing with some degree of hearing impairment. You now have the information you need, including the understanding that hearing aids can have a positive effect on multiple areas of your life, improving not only your ability to hear, but also your connections with loved ones, colleagues, and social circle.

Once your hearing loss is managed with the appropriate 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 loved one’s voice.

Get in touch with us if you want to schedule a hearing exam or if you think you are experiencing hearing loss.