When was the last time you had a hearing test? If it’s been a while since you had your hearing checked, it might be a good idea to put that on your to-do list. By making hearing screenings part of your wellness routine, you stay on top of any issues that might arise. You may assume that you’re fine, but 37.5 million Americans over the age of 18 have reported some form of hearing loss. If you’ve started turning up the volume on your TV or radio or you’re asking people to repeat themselves, you might be experiencing some hearing loss.
Visiting with a hearing healthcare provider can help you maintain your quality of life by preserving your hearing. Your hearing healthcare professional can be a strong advocate for you through the exam process and evaluation of your hearing quality. These professionals are the only ones who can administer a comprehensive hearing test which is vital for diagnosing and treating hearing loss. There are even some online and over the phone options for carrying out hearing exams. To help you understand the importance of this medical exam, here are three reasons why you should have your hearing checked regularly.
1. Hearing loss can be gradual.
It’s not likely that you will be able to hear perfectly one day and wake up with no hearing the next. While some situations can cause your hearing to fade quickly, chances are that it will not be that dramatic. Hearing loss in adults tends to occur gradually, and unfortunately, that means that many people don’t notice that they’re struggling to hear until there is a significant hearing loss. Regular hearing tests can help to identify any issues at an early stage. The earlier that it’s caught, the easier it will be to stay on top of it. If your tests do indicate some hearing loss, your doctor can recommend treatment options to help restore your hearing. If you’re experiencing some trouble hearing, it’s best not to ignore it as it’s not something that will bounce back on its own.
2. Hearing loss is treatable.
Some people who are experiencing hearing loss may not feel the need to reach out for help because they may assume that there’s nothing that can be done. This is not the case. Hearing loss can be the symptom of a variety of causes, and the causes that lead to hearing loss are very often treatable. If there’s an infection, excessive earwax buildup, or signs of tinnitus there are numerous treatment options available. No matter the cause of the type of hearing loss, certain treatments may be able to help. Your doctor can recommend treatments to alleviate symptoms and hopefully, improve your hearing. If no obvious underlying cause can be found, hearing aids or even surgery may provide a solution. Regardless of the reason that your hearing may be impaired, you should seek the advice of a hearing specialist as they can offer treatment suggestions to improve your quality of life.
3. Hearing tests are easy.
For some, going to see a health professional of any kind can seem like a time consuming and daunting task. Tests and assessments are feared by many, and anxiety can be common. If you’re scared of having a hearing test or think that you just don’t have time, hearing tests are quick and painless. There is usually no discomfort at all associated with hearing exams and your audiologist will do everything possible to help you stay calm. During the exam, you’ll be asked to listen to and provide a response to different sounds, tones, and noises. This will test how well you can hear. These tests usually take a short amount of time and the results will help you and your audiologist determine treatment options for your situation. Consider making regular hearing exams part of your healthcare routine in order to keep up with your hearing health. Your hearing impacts both the professional and social aspects of your life. Staying on top of your hearing health with regular exams will make sure that you maintain your quality of life even if you’re only experiencing partial hearing loss.