Credit: kues via Freepik
Your hearing health is just as important as dental care, eye care, and your general physical health, but we often neglect our ears and ignore potential hearing issues for years. There are treatments for hearing loss, and addressing the issue sooner rather than later will improve your quality of life and prevent worsening health outcomes. Leaving hearing loss untreated can lead to increased social isolation, increased risks for dementia, and increased risks of falling-related injuries.
Treatments for Hearing Loss
A hearing loss diagnosis can be obtained from an audiologist after getting your hearing tested. Audiology clinics such as Toronto Hearing Consultants will use the results to advise you on an appropriate treatment plan.
Hearing loss treatments may include:
- Earwax removal: In some cases, hearing loss caused by impacted earwax can be reversible by removing the earwax with special, safe equipment.
- Hearing aids: The most common and effective treatment for permanent hearing damage is a hearing aid. An audiologist can help fit you with a hearing aid.
- Cochlear implants: When a hearing aid cannot help, cochlear implants may be used. They go around the damaged part of the inner ear and send sound directly to the hearing nerve.
Signs You Should Get Your Hearing Tested
If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to get your hearing checked. The sooner you book an appointment with an audiology clinic, the sooner you can seek out treatment options.
#1 You Don’t Hear Everyday Sounds
Have you ever missed the phone ringing, an alarm, or a knock at the door? Missing everyday sounds that are designed to get our attention, such as a doorbell or a text notification, is a sign that your hearing may not be as sensitive as it once was.
#2 You Frequently Ask People to Repeat Themselves
Regularly asking friends, family, and coworkers to repeat themselves may also indicate an issue with your hearing, especially if you tend to ask everyone around you. While some people in your life may be quiet speakers, if you experience this issue with everyone or even most of the people around you, the issue is more likely to be your own hearing.
#3 The Volume on Your T.V. Is Increasing
Have you noticed that the volume on your television keeps creeping upward? The issue is much more likely to be your own hearing than the speakers on your T.V. or your music player. Gradually increasing the volume of devices you use for entertainment may also attract the attention of friends, loved ones, and guests. Pay attention if they comment that the volume is too high.
#4 Friends and Loved Ones Tell You To Get Your Hearing Tested
When your loved ones comment on your difficulty hearing, take their concerns seriously. They are speaking out of concern, not criticism, and they have noticed that you struggle to hear at times. Instead of ignoring their comments, book an appointment with an audiologist to check your hearing.
Getting your hearing tested can prevent complications later on in life. Don’t let hearing loss lead to worse outcomes.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.