Reasons People May Avoid Treating Hearing Loss - And Why You Should Schedule a Test Today!

Hearing loss is very common in America. In fact, one third of people over the age of 60 struggle to hear, and more than half of seniors over the age of 75 have hearing loss. As much as you’d like to avoid this issue and pretend hearing loss won’t affect you, you will be improving many aspects of your life if you take steps to treat hearing loss.

Age-Related Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is not a weakness or a sign you’re getting old, it’s simply a common condition that affects millions of Americans, many of whom are reluctant to get their hearing tested. The most common form of hearing loss is presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss. Since this hearing loss occurs gradually over a long period of time, you might not notice it creeping up on you. It mostly affects sounds in the upper registers, like the laugher of your grandchildren or the sound of the stove alarm. Age-related hearing loss affects your ability to follow speech, and you’ll be straining to follow conversations.

Why do People Avoid Treating Hearing Loss?

Struggling with hearing loss makes it hard to have meaningful conversations with your family and friends, talk on the phone, or even enjoy your favorite TV program. So why do so many people put off getting their hearing tested? There are lots of excuses, and we’ve heard them all before.There’s nothing really wrong with my hearing. Hearing loss is a very gradual process, and it’s hard to notice the day-to-day changes. You might think your hearing isn’t worse today than it was yesterday, but think back to the last time you heard the birds chirping, or didn’t have to ask your spouse to repeat themselves. How many times have you missed the doorbell or not heard the phone ringing because you were in a different room? Are conversations difficult for you? If you think everyone around you is constantly mumbling, and if they’d speak up you wouldn’t have any problems, the truth is the problem is probably with your ears, not with all your family and friends.Hearing aids won’t help with my kind of hearing loss. You’re right, different people experience hearing loss in different ways. Some have more difficulty hearing consonants, and others experience sounds as being muffled, or just too quiet. Hearing aids do far more than just amplify sounds, they’re mini computers that automatically adjust programs and settings as you move between listening environments. They reduce background noise, cut out feedback, and help you focus on the important speech sounds you want to hear. They’ll bring your clear hearing and easy understanding whatever your level of hearing loss.Hearing aids are ugly. While it’s true that hearing aids in the past could sometimes be a bit clunky, modern hearing aids are sophisticated and sleek. Models range from behind-the-ear styles to hearing aids that sit so far into your inner ear they’re invisible. They come in many colors to match skin and hair tones for more discretion, and look so good you’ll want to show them off to your friends.

Reasons to Treat Hearing Loss

To help you make the right choice when it comes to hearing health, it’s important to realize what’s at stake with untreated hearing loss. Hearing loss isn’t just about missing a few words here and there, or having difficulty in conversations. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to cognitive decline and increased rates of dementia, as well as feelings of stress and anxiety. Many of those who live with untreated hearing loss suffer from depression since communication is difficult, and they feel isolated and cut off from their loved ones, pulling back from social events or functions that make them uncomfortable.

Take a Step for your Health - Book a Hearing Test

Getting a hearing test doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be getting a hearing aid. A hearing test includes an ear exam and an evaluation of your medical history along with the auditory tests. You might be having difficulty hearing from some other condition, such as a buildup of earwax, fluid in the ear, or even a tumor. We’ll explore all the possibilities before recommending a hearing aid.More than two thirds of people with hearing loss choose to live with their hearing loss rather than seeking treatment. Be a trendsetter and safeguard your physical and mental health while improving your relationships with the people that matter most.

Contact us at Atlanta Hearing Doctor today to book a hearing test, and make the right decision for your health!