While some people are born with hearing loss, most develop it gradually. It may be due to loud noise exposure, aging or other health factors. If you’ve noticed that you’re having a harder time following along during work meetings or when out to lunch with friends at Home Slice Pizza, you might be unsure what to do next.
Let’s go over a few steps you can take to prioritize your hearing health if you are concerned about possible hearing loss.
Make an Appointment for a Hearing Test
The first and best step to take when worried about hearing loss is to schedule an appointment for a hearing test. You can reach out to your primary care provider or to a qualified audiologist to talk about your issues. A hearing test is simple, painless, and can quickly assess both the cause and severity of your hearing loss.
In some cases, hearing problems can be caused by a temporary issue like earwax buildup or infection. Addressing that issue should help your hearing return to normal. However, in many cases, especially in older individuals, hearing loss tends to be permanent.
Consider Your Treatment Options
While your treatment options may vary depending on the severity of your hearing loss, in most cases, hearing aids are recommended.
Take the time to discuss your options thoroughly with an audiologist or hearing specialist. Today’s hearing aids come in a variety of styles and have different settings and technological features. Finding out more about your day-to-day life and what you want most from your device will be beneficial in helping your audiologist find the perfect pair for you.
Embrace the Benefits of Hearing Aids
Initially, there’s a bit of an adjustment phase with hearing aids. However, once you get used to wearing them consistently, you will discover a wide array of benefits that go beyond simply making it easier to hear.
A study evaluating the long-term benefits of hearing aid use assessed 192 elderly hearing aid users at various intervals within the first year of their initial fitting. They found that within a year, participants had experienced social and emotional benefits, improved communication, a reduction in symptoms of depression, better cognition and increased overall quality of life.
Hearing aids make it easier to stay connected to your family and friends and continue to engage in activities that bring you joy. Additionally, people who use hearing aids decrease their risk of several different health conditions such as anxiety and depression, balance issues, and cognitive decline and dementia.
Prioritize your health and hearing by taking the first step and calling River ENT today to schedule an appointment.
