When hearing loss begins, you may think it’s normal. You ignore it for a while until it gets so severe that you can’t hear your children, the television, or even your friends.
See what you might be missing out on?
Getting diagnosed and treated early helps you stay connected to those around you and be active in their lives. It can also help prevent further loss of hearing.
Let’s explore nine reasons seeing a specialist may save your hearing.
1. They Can Help With Many Hearing Issues
Hearing specialists deal with more than just hearing loss.
They often can also help with:
- Tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, whistling)
- Wax build-up
- Hearing protection
2. They Can Prevent Further Damage
Once you start losing your hearing, the connected part of your brain starts getting weaker over time. The hearing problems will only get worse. But an audiologist may be able to start treatment that lets you hear again and reduces further damage.
3. They Know Hearing
While your Primary doctor can give you general advice about protecting or improving hearing. Hearing specialists have more experience with hearing loss and hearing-related conditions. They stay on top of the latest technology and research to help you address your hearing concerns.
4. Hearing Is Linked to Mental Well-being
The loss of hearing has been linked to a decline in overall well-being. Over time, those losing their hearing often become:
- Agitated
- Frustrated
- Depressed
- Isolated
These conditions tend to further the hearing loss in a vicious cycle. But hearing solutions can reverse all this.
5. You’re Never Too Young To Have Hearing Loss
You may think you’re too young to have hearing problems. This “denial” can cause some people to delay getting help. Hearing loss can start at any time. And waiting could mean further damage.
Don’t wait.
6. They Create Comprehensive Plans
Hearing aids are only one solution. Even when you get hearing aids, there’s an adjustment period where you need to re-learn how to interpret sounds. You may need additional fittings to make the hearing aid work better in different situations.
7. They Can Explain the Real Ramifications of Waiting
Some people start to have hearing loss at middle age or earlier. They think to themselves, “it’s not so bad. I’ll just seek treatment when I’m older and really can’t hear.”
We can tell you all day long not to wait too long to get help, but you need to speak to someone in person for help. They can look you in the eyes, connect with you, and help you understand that waiting is not a good idea.
8. Earwax Can Damage Your Hearing
Now that we have your attention, we’ll clarify.
Earwax doesn’t directly damage your hearing. It’s moisturizing and anti-microbial. What can damage your hearing is you trying to remove earwax.
You may unintentionally push wax deep into your ear, or you could damage the delicate skin in your middle ear. In the worst-case scenario, you pop your eardrum or damage your inner ear.
9. A Yearly Hearing Test Saves You Against Long-Term Struggles
Getting a yearly screening allows the audiologist to detect hearing loss earlier. The earlier it’s caught, the faster you can begin making lifestyle changes to reduce further damage.
Are you or a loved one experiencing the first signs of hearing loss? Seeing an audiologist now may save your hearing. Schedule an appointment today.