Why is Having Your Hearing Tested Important?

Approximately one in four people in the United States who report good hearing already have some form of hearing loss. Over 39 million U.S. adults have hearing loss brought on by exposure to loud noise. Having your hearing tested is an essential way to identify hearing loss before it becomes permanent. Here are five reasons why having your hearing tested is so important.

Identify Hearing Loss as Early as Possible

Hearing tests ensure that even the mildest form of hearing loss is picked up on as early as possible. An audiologist will be able to advise you on how to reduce the risk of further loss. This could be by reducing your exposure to loud noises, wearing ear defenders or use of a hearing aid. 

If temporary hearing loss is not corrected, the hair cells in your ear may become permanently damaged and even die. Hair cells are the part of your ear that detect sound. If they bend or become damaged, they are less receptive to noise and won’t transmit the signals needed by the brain to decipher sound. The cells don’t grow back, so losing them can cause permanent damage to your hearing.

Prevent Blockages from Damaging Your Hearing

Over time, blockages such as wax or fluid can cause permanent damage to your ear. This is because they can cause infections like swimmer’s ear, a condition where water build up can lead to an infection between the eardrum and the ear canal. A simple hearing test will help your audiologist identify the blockage before it causes long-term damage.

Spot Potential Conditions

Sometimes hearing loss can be an indicator of other conditions, like Meniere’s disease, which causes severe vertigo. Regular hearing tests can help audiologists pick up these conditions before they have a more severe impact on the individual’s health and wellbeing. There are even early indications that improving hearing reduces the risk of dementia in later life.

Assistance with Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a condition where individuals hear continuous ringing or buzzing noises in the ear. This can continue into the night, making it difficult for those experiencing tinnitus to sleep. A hearing test can help an audiologist identify the reasons for the tinnitus. Tinnitus can be improved by hearing aids and may be caused by hearing loss or damage to the ear. One simple hearing test could help those with tinnitus improve their ability to sleep and concentrate throughout the day.

Improve Your Hearing for the Long Term

Identifying hearing loss early can help prolong your hearing as long as possible. Improve your hearing over time by booking a hearing test. Regular hearing tests can help identify conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Improving your hearing also decreases the chances of cognitive impairment in later life. 

Hearing tests are a simple and effective way of improving your health, prolonging your hearing and helping existing conditions like tinnitus. Book a consultation with an audiologist today to improve your quality of life in one easy appointment.