Hearing is a key part of how we stay connected to our loved ones and communities. Yet, hearing health often doesn’t receive the same routine care we give to our teeth or eyesight. Regular hearing checkups are a critical piece of maintaining overall health, especially as we age; around one in three adults between the ages of 65 and 74 experience disabling hearing loss.
Protecting your hearing ensures you can continue to fully experience all the activities you typically enjoy.
How Hearing Affects Your Overall Health
Hearing loss impacts more than just how loudly you hear sounds. It influences your ability to engage socially, maintain mental sharpness and even stay physically balanced. Many people aren’t fully aware of how important their hearing is to overall well-being until issues begin to appear.
If left untreated, hearing loss can contribute to:
- Feelings of loneliness or social isolation
- Greater risk of cognitive decline
- Increased likelihood of falls and injuries
- Communication challenges that can strain personal relationships
Maintaining your hearing is about staying active and connected to everything you enjoy, including meeting friends for coffee at Buckroe Coffee.
Why Early Detection Is Crucial
Because hearing loss tends to develop gradually, it can be difficult to notice right away. Many individuals unconsciously adapt by reading lips, leaning closer or avoiding noisy situations, without realizing that something deeper is going on.
By identifying hearing loss early, you can:
- Preserve your existing hearing ability
- Adjust more easily to hearing aids or assistive devices
- Learn new communication techniques to navigate daily life more easily
- Prevent some of the broader health risks associated with untreated hearing loss
Acting early gives you more options for protecting your hearing and your quality of life.
What You Can Expect During a Hearing Test
A hearing evaluation is straightforward and completely painless. During your appointment with a local hearing care provider:
- Your medical and hearing history will be reviewed
- Your ears will be examined to check for obstructions or signs of infection
- Hearing tests will measure how well you hear various tones and speech patterns
How Often Should You Schedule a Hearing Test?
For most adults, a hearing evaluation every three to five years is recommended. However, if you are over 50, have worked around loud noises, or find it challenging to follow conversations in lively spots, you may want to be tested more frequently.
Routine hearing checkups help catch problems early, allowing you to preserve your remaining hearing.
If you’re ready to take charge of your hearing health, contact Kampsen Hearing today to schedule a hearing test.