Start the Year Off Right with an Annual Hearing Test

We’re all concerned about our overall health, go to the doctor for annual physicals, and carefully monitor ourselves for any signs of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or cancer. We even get regular vision exams, and wouldn’t dream of leaving the house without our reading glasses. Unfortunately, many people don’t take the same approach to their hearing health, and don’t practice preventative health. The best thing you can do for your ears, and your brain, is to schedule an annual hearing test and start the year off right.

Gradual Hearing Loss

One of the biggest reasons to book annual hearing tests is because hearing loss is often a gradual process, and can creep up on us without our noticing. You’re able to make small adjustments to changes in your hearing, and might not realize anything has changed until your family complains that the TV volume is too high, or that you’re asking them to repeat themselves more often than usual. With annual hearing tests, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that gradual hearing loss won’t sneak up on you, and that you’ll be able to treat your hearing loss the moment it appears.

How Hearing Loss is Impacting Your Life

You might not realize it, but hearing loss is closely connected with your overall health. Hearing isn’t just about our ears, but about our brains and bodies as well. Living with untreated hearing loss increases your risk of injury, and those with hearing loss are hospitalized more often than those with clear hearing. If you have untreated hearing loss, you’re more likely to experience rapid cognitive decline, and increase your risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease.Hearing loss is also linked to poor job performance, and a reduction of earning power, since you’re not able to communicate effectively at the workplace, might be overlooked for promotion, could pose a safety risk, and may even have trouble focusing on tasks. Living with untreated hearing loss also increases the likelihood of suffering from social isolation, anxiety, and depression. Hearing loss can drive a wedge between you and your loved ones, since you’re not able to enjoy easy conversations or share all the little moments that make life together so special.

An Annual Hearing Test

To protect your quality of life, the best thing you can do is start the year off right with an annual hearing test. Getting your hearing tested every year will allow you to monitor your baseline hearing, and notice the moment there are any changes in your hearing. Annual hearing tests are recommended for adults over the age of 60, or for anyone who notices any changes in their ability to hear. Many people don’t have their first hearing test until they’ve been struggling to hear for years, and during this time their hearing worsens drastically.

A Baseline Hearing Test

You might not need to take a comprehensive hearing test every year, but many of us haven’t had a hearing test since high school. Whatever your age, start with a simple baseline hearing test to determine your ability to hear soft or high-pitched sounds. This test will also measure your ability to hear and understand speech, both at a very quiet volume, and at a normal speaking volume.A baseline hearing test is a pass or fail test, and if you’re able to hear clearly, you’ll pass with flying colors. Unless you notice some big changes in your hearing health in the upcoming months, you don’t need to worry about your hearing health until next year. If you fail a baseline hearing test, it’s a sign you’ll need to take a comprehensive hearing test to determine exactly what sounds you can and can’t hear, and find out what your treatment options are.

Treating Hearing Loss

If you have hearing loss, the best thing you can do is treat your hearing loss early to prevent further hearing loss, or other related health problems. At Atlanta Hearing Doctor, our team of hearing health specialists will look after you every step of the way, from the initial hearing test that will give you a clear picture or your hearing, to determining what hearing aid will fit seamlessly into your life. Don’t wait, but visit us today!