Fall is a wonderful time of year. As the leaves fall off the trees and children trick or treat, it’s a great opportunity to get together with friends and sample those pumpkin spice lattes. However, if you’re experiencing hearing loss, enjoying the season may feel difficult. Scheduling an appointment with an audiologist isn’t just about treating current hearing loss. It’s a preventative measure that can help you to avoid future hearing problems and protect your overall health. Here’s why it’s vital that you arrange a hearing test this fall.
You May Not Notice
Hearing loss can start off subtly. You may notice some signs but not enough to concern you or
bother you. Typically, hearing loss happens gradually, and many people don’t visit their audiologists until the loss becomes prevalent. If you notice any signs of hearing loss, it’s important to visit your audiologist as soon as possible. An audiologist can diagnose the problem and treat it or give you advice on how to look after your hearing for as long as possible.
Avoid Frustration
When you have difficulty hearing, no matter how much or little, it can cause frustration. Perhaps you find yourself asking colleagues to repeat themselves often or you find it difficult to keep up with conversations in crowded places. Seeking intervention from an audiologist is the best way to avoid this frustration. Your audiologist can give you the hearing aids you require to follow conversation more easily and therefore get more enjoyment and satisfaction from life.
Early Detection Makes a Big Difference
Early detection of hearing loss is the best preventative measure there is. Fortunately, there are many instances when hearing loss can be treated and even repaired if detected early. The quicker your hearing loss is treated, the earlier you can start treatment for your specific needs. Early detection of hearing loss can make a significant difference because it allows for prompt intervention and tailored treatment options, often leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life. Delaying diagnosis can result in the exacerbation of hearing difficulties, making it crucial to address the issue as soon as possible.
Avoid Other Health Issues
Everything that makes our bodies work is connected. Your ears are no different. Poor hearing health could be an indication of another issue going on in your body. For instance, hearing loss is often linked with cardiovascular problems. It can stem from lower blood and oxygen circulation in the body. If you’re having symptoms of hearing loss and other related health symptoms, there could be a connection. When you visit your audiologist, your hearing will be checked and if other related health issues are suspected, you may be referred to your doctor.
Avoiding Accidents
Scheduling a hearing test can be a proactive step in accident prevention. A decline in hearing can lead to a decreased awareness of one’s surroundings, making accidents more likely. For example, in busy traffic situations, a person with hearing loss might not hear approaching vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents while crossing the road. Additionally, in a home environment, reduced hearing can result in not hearing warning sounds like smoke alarms or doorbells, potentially causing accidents or missing important alerts. By identifying and addressing hearing issues early through regular hearing tests, individuals can regain better situational awareness and reduce vulnerability to accidents in various settings.
Isolation, Anxiety and Depression
Untreated hearing loss can make you anxious about entering social situations. It can cause embarrassment when you have to ask people to repeat themselves or miss vital parts of conversations. It may even stop you from taking part in your favorite hobbies or going to your favorite places. When left untreated, hearing loss can have a major effect on how you live your life. If you want the freedom to keep doing what you love, it’s essential that you schedule regular hearing tests with your audiologist.
Decrease Chances of Dementia Development
Hearing loss has been strongly linked with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. They all happen in conjunction with cognitive decline. The longer you leave your hearing loss untreated, the more likely that symptoms of dementia decline. However, treating your hearing loss can increase your cognitive ability and therefore help to reduce the chances of dementia and Alzheimer’s developing. Visiting your audiologist as soon as you spot any signs of hearing loss is key.
Fall can be a busy season and you should be able to enjoy it fully. If you’ve experienced symptoms like difficulty hearing people in conversation, needing to turn the volume up or ringing in your ears, make an appointment for a hearing test today. Call GL Wyeno Hearing Specialists PC at 402-463-2431 to see our audiologist’s and get the most out of your hearing.
