Hearing loss is a common experience for many people, and what’s interesting is that most individuals don’t start their journey with hearing loss; it usually develops as we age or due to factors like exposure to loud noises in our environments and in recreation.
Did you know that the likelihood of experiencing hearing loss actually doubles every decade we live? This means that by the time we reach our mid-60s, one out of three people will have some degree of hearing loss. The numbers keep climbing, with nearly half of those over 75 affected, and an astonishing four out of five people aged 85 and older experiencing it. In essence, hearing loss is part of the natural process of enjoying a long and fulfilling life!
With that in mind, we’re here to guide you through with eight helpful steps to take if you notice changes in your hearing.
1. Get Your Hearing Tested
If you’re concerned about your hearing—whether it's based on noticeable signs or feedback from family and friends, your first step is to get your hearing tested. It’s a proactive move that can lead to a better quality of life!
2. Decide: Ignore It or Treat It
Once you receive a diagnosis of hearing loss, you have a choice to make; you can either ignore it and deal with the day-to-day frustrations that follow, or you can take action to treat it. The challenges of untreated hearing loss can range from needing conversations to be repeated to missing essential information, potentially leading to feelings of isolation. Importantly, research from esteemed institutions such as Johns Hopkins Medicine and Columbia University highlights that untreated hearing loss can also contribute to serious health risks, including depression, anxiety, and even dementia. In contrast, addressing hearing loss with hearing aids has been shown to significantly reduce these risks, allowing users to feel more engaged and happier in their daily lives.
3. Visit a Hearing Care Professional
When you feel ready to take the next step—ideally sooner rather than later to safeguard your brain health—consulting a hearing care professional is crucial. You can either see your doctor first or go directly to an audiologist, otolaryngologist (ENT), or a hearing instrument specialist to get started.
4. Understand Your Hearing Loss
Your meeting with a hearing care professional is a valuable opportunity to gain insight into your hearing health. Here's what you can typically expect during your first visit:
- Fill Out Paperwork: You’ll start with some intake forms about your health history and a hearing questionnaire.
- Complete a Hearing Evaluation: This usually involves a visual inspection of your ears and a hearing test done in a sound booth.
- Review Your Audiogram: The results will be presented in a helpful graph called an audiogram that clearly outlines your specific hearing loss.
- Discuss Treatment Options and Next Steps: You’ll be able to explore different treatment options, including a technology demonstration of hearing aids.
5. Ask to Try Hearing Aids
If your evaluation confirms hearing loss, chances are hearing aids will be recommended. These devices are the gold standard for treating hearing loss, and they can significantly enhance your ability to interact with the world around you—especially when fitted by a professional who tailors them to your individual needs. Many trustworthy hearing centers offer trial periods for their hearing aids, which is an excellent opportunity for you to see the profound effects they can have on your everyday experiences.
6. Experience the Difference They Make
Once you start wearing your hearing aids, make the most of the trial period. Use them at home, at work, during social gatherings, while watching TV—wherever life takes you! You’ll soon understand why so many people express that using hearing aids has transformed their lives and often wish they had sought help sooner.
7. Hear Better and Live Better!
After the trial period, ask yourself: would you prefer to go back to the way things were, or embrace the richer sounds and connections that come with improved hearing? Listening better leads to stronger relationships and a more vibrant, fulfilling lifestyle.
If you’ve been feeling that hearing loss is making life more of a challenge than a joy, now is the perfect time to act! At Mid-America Hearing Center, we are genuinely dedicated to making your hearing health journey as smooth and caring as possible. We encourage you to take advantage of our free hearing tests conducted in a warm and inviting setting because we believe everyone should explore their hearing health without feeling rushed. Our committed team is here to help you navigate your unique hearing journey, and we proudly offer a 60-day risk-free trial on many of our hearing aids. Let’s work together towards a brighter, more connected future!
