If you’re not getting regular screenings, you could be overlooking a hearing loss problem and not addressing it until it becomes severe. When that happens, it can affect your quality of life and lead to relationships ending or even social isolation.
Adding hearing tests to your routine can prevent this. Here’s why you should make this a priority:
Detecting Hearing Loss
The biggest reason to get a regular hearing test Sudbury is that it can help detect hearing loss before you notice any issues. That way, you can take action before it gets too out of hand and improve your quality of life.
You’ll typically have a pure-tone test, in which you wear earphones while an audiologist plays tones at different frequencies (pitches) and volumes. Depending on whether or not you can hear each style, your audiologist can determine the type and severity of hearing loss.
This type of hearing test can also reveal other health issues, such as a ruptured eardrum or fluid buildup in your middle ear. It can also show if you have tinnitus, often caused by medical conditions like high blood pressure or certain chemotherapies. It can also be a symptom of Meniere’s disease and otosclerosis.
Identifying Hearing Issues
Even if you think your hearing is fine, scheduling a regular test is always best. This allows your audiologist to monitor your hearing over time, which makes it much easier for them to catch any changes in your hearing before they become a significant issue.
Your audiologist will use a variety of tests to assess your hearing, including pure-tone testing and audiograms. These will allow them to determine the pitch and loudness of sounds you can hear and pinpoint any potential problems you may be experiencing.
It’s essential to have your hearing tested regularly, regardless of your age or risk factors. Even slight loss can impact social interaction, increase stress levels, and lead to isolation. It’s also possible that some hearing problems could be a sign of other health issues, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. By catching these issues early, you can prevent further damage and improve your health.
Getting Treatment
Hearing tests are one of the only ways to identify hearing loss or a potential problem with your ears. They also allow your audiologist to track changes in your hearing over time.
This will help them determine the cause of your hearing problems and create a plan to treat them, such as using hearing aids or cochlear implants. Early detection and treatment are the best way to minimize the effects of hearing loss on your quality of life.
People with untreated hearing loss are at greater risk for injury or accidents because they don’t hear warning signals or car honks. They may also struggle with social interactions and become isolated. People with hearing impairments are also less likely to be able to communicate critical safety information to their loved ones, leading to potentially dangerous situations. Regular hearing tests ensure you can safely interact with your family and friends. They can also help you keep up with your job and hobbies by making sure you can hear the sounds of everyday life.
Keeping Your Hearing Healthy
Most people schedule regular physicals, dental appointments, and eye exams, but only a few know the importance of standard hearing tests. While it’s easy to understand why some people may overlook the necessity of this test, there are several reasons why it should become a priority.
Many medical conditions can lead to hearing loss; a routine exam can help identify these issues before they worsen. For example, diabetes has been linked to tinnitus, and high blood pressure can cause ear problems.
During a routine hearing test, you usually wear headphones to listen to pure tones at different pitches and volumes. You may also undergo speech audiometry, which measures your ability to understand soft-spoken words in a quiet environment. By comparing the results of each test with previous ones, your audiologist can keep track of any changes in your hearing and identify potential issues as they occur.
The owners of Cinnamon Hollow and many of its authors are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice. We cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research and consult with your personal physician before using.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
