Understanding Why You Shouldn’t Delay Your Next Hearing Exam

Most people take their hearing for granted. Once it starts to fade or completely goes away, though, they realize just how important it really was and how much hearing loss detracts from their life. Fortunately, you don’t have to suffer helplessly through hearing loss. Studies show that at approximately half of cases are preventable, and at least 80 percent can be mitigated with hearing aids. 

Regular hearing exams are essential, even for people who don’t think they’re experiencing hearing loss. Still, an estimated 80 percent of Americans either put them off or avoid them altogether. Many people ultimately come to regret that decision. Consider some of the reasons why you shouldn’t delay hearing exams. 

Early Detection Can Make a Difference

For one, early detection of hearing issues at your next hearing exam can make a significant difference in your life. Routine exams allow doctors and audiologists to catch minor problems before they have a chance to grow worse. Sometimes, those problems can be treated and even reversed, which may prevent hearing loss. 

In cases where hearing loss can’t be reversed, regular exams can help you stay on top of it. It tends to develop gradually. Many people don’t even realize it’s happening at first. It may start with the loss of the highest or lowest frequencies in normal human hearing range, which aren’t quite as noticeable as those in the middle of the spectrum. On the other hand, you may find yourself struggling to hear over background noises or having to ask people to repeat themselves more often than you once did. Either way, it may not seem like a problem at first, but it’ll likely grow worse over time. 

With routine hearing exams, your doctor or audiologist can detect even small issues. They can determine their cause and the best way to treat them, whether it’s with medications, hearing aids, or other measures. They can also adjust your treatments over time as the need arises to ensure hearing loss affects your life as little as possible. 

Keeping You Safe

Additionally, hearing loss can affect your safety. It may keep you from hearing sounds like car horns, approaching vehicles, fire alarms, sirens, or screams. Those sounds alert people to danger, and if you can’t hear them, you may have little warning or time to get out of harm’s way. By delaying your next hearing exam, you could inadvertently be placing yourself in danger. On the other hand, getting prompt treatment for hearing loss will ensure you hear those crucial warnings when you need to. 

Improving Your Quality of Life

Being able to hear clearly affects your quality of life as well. It impacts your ability to communicate and connect with others. It interferes with the way you experience the world around you. Without your hearing, you can’t enjoy your favorite songs or movies. You can’t hear your children or grandchildren laugh. You may miss phone calls from loved ones or knocks on your door. Hearing loss can negatively affect people’s confidence, happiness, and emotional security. Routine hearing exams keep that from happening. 

Staying on Top of Hearing Loss

Hearing exams are quick, painless measures, but they can prove invaluable. They allow doctors and audiologists to catch small issues early and address hearing loss as needed. They can also help keep you safe and improve your quality of life. Though many people avoid them, taking those few moments to have your hearing checked every three to five years, or annually beyond the age of 60, can make a significant positive difference.