5 Reasons Why You Should Get Your Hearing Checked
May is Better Hearing and Speech month, so that means it is also the perfect time to schedule an appointment to have your hearing checked by an audiologist. If that isn’t enough motivation, read on to learn our five reasons below.
- Treating Hearing Loss Can Improve Earning Power
A study from 2014 revealed that individuals with severe hearing loss received annual household incomes of $14,000 less than those with normal hearing. By delaying treatment, many who have not yet reached retirement age, struggle with managing their hearing loss on the job. The good news is that successful treatment of hearing loss with hearing aids is associated with greater earning power and increased household income.
- Start with a Baseline
A diagnostic hearing exam will show how well you hear but also reveals the overall health of your ears. Things like ear wax buildup, abnormal growths and infections can increase your risk for hearing loss. If these issues are found early and treated, you will be less likely to develop any permanent hearing loss as a result. A baseline hearing exam is very helpful in monitoring any changes in hearing or ear health over time.
- Avoid Isolation
Studies have shown that those with hearing difficulty tend to avoid situations where they know it can be difficult to hear. Restaurants, parties and places with background noise are the most difficult environments for those with hearing loss. By avoiding these situations, you can increase your risk of depression. When hearing loss is properly diagnosed and treated, your ability to hear and understand in these environments increases significantly, which will also improve quality of life.
- Improve Relationships
We say that when one person in the family has a hearing loss, the entire family has a “hearing problem”. Hearing loss can be frustrating for family members and loved ones who need to repeat themselves often, deal with the TV and radio volume at an uncomfortable level and see the impact hearing loss has on you. Once your audiologist diagnoses the problem, they can discuss good communication strategies that can minimize the hindrances that hearing loss can cause.
- Hearing Aids are Cool
Hearing aids have received an un-fair stigma over the years but it is time to change that. When most people think of hearing aids, they think of bulky, clunky devices that squeal and get left at home in a drawer. The truth is hearing aids have come a long way in the past five years, both in design and overall performance. Hearing aids have gotten smaller, fit more hearing loss levels and have advanced features that are significantly improving how well patients hear. Hearing aids now have Bluetooth built in and can be synced with smart phones to hear phone calls, music or podcasts. Smart phone apps also allow users to control volume, programs and even locate hearing aids if they are ever lost.
If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing difficulty, the first step is to work with a doctoral level audiologist who can diagnose and recommend the best treatment options.
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