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Most of us don’t enjoy hearing news that is negative in nature, especially when it comes to being diagnosed with hearing loss. No matter how hard we try to deny it, our hearing problems will catch up with us and it is best to be prepared when it does.
Hearing loss is an irreversible condition, which is why the earlier it is diagnosed, the better your chances of being able to find effective treatment methods. The longer you wait to get your hearing tested, the worse the problem becomes. Treating hearing loss has been linked to emotional well-being, stronger relationships, higher earning power and fighting the onset of dementia.
World Hearing Day
World Hearing Day is a campaign held each year by Office of Prevention of Blindness and Deafness of the World Health Organization (WHO). Activities take place across the entire globe each year on March 3rd. The theme of WHO’s campaign for 2019 is “Check your hearing”.
Statistics gathered from both developed and developing countries indicate that a significant part of the burden associated with hearing loss comes from unaddressed hearing difficulties. A study conducted in the United Kingdom indicate that only 20% of those who have a hearing problem seek treatment. A study performed in South Africa reported that individuals who experience hearing difficulties wait between 5 and 16 years to seek diagnosis and treatment.
The longer an individual waits to get diagnosed with hearing loss, the worse their symptoms can become. World Hearing Day is a call for people around the globe to educate themselves and loved ones about hearing loss and encourages people to get tested and treated.
The Importance of Annual Hearing Tests
All too often, people are genuinely unaware that they do indeed have hearing loss. This is because loss of hearing is a gradual process that takes years to manifest itself. In the beginning, you might miss out on a few words occasionally when listening to others when they speak, but this frequency increases over time. Most importantly you are never too young to have a hearing loss. Hearing loss can happen at any age, especially in a world where loud noises are common. If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms it is time to get a hearing test.
- You often ask people to repeat themselves.
- You experience ringing in your ears.
- People seem to mumble more frequently.
- Your family complains that you play the radio or TV too loudly.
- You no longer hear normal household sounds, such as the ringing of a doorbell.
- You have difficulty understanding a conversation when in a large group or crowd.
- You have trouble understanding all the words in a conversation.
- You find telephone conversation increasingly difficult.
- You have trouble hearing when your back is turned to the speaker.
- You have been told you speak too loudly.
Physical and Mental Effects of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can cause social isolation as you feel increasingly left out of conversations at the dinner table. People may show visible frustration at constantly being asked to repeat what they said to you, which might make you reluctant to attend social gatherings. Your communication with your spouse and children may suffer, and as a result, you may have strained relationships and even depression.
If you ignore your hearing loss, you are putting yourself at risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and even injuries due to loss of balance. Physiological changes occur when your brain is unable to process sound correctly, which can lead to exhaustion of the brain cells and lead to dementia. Over time, a myriad of health problems may manifest themselves simply due to an untreated hearing problem.
Get a Hearing Test March 3rd
You can prevent the negative consequences of untreated hearing loss simply by getting your hearing tested by a hearing care professional. If necessary, invest in some hearing aids and you will find that you are able to take back control of your life. Delaying your hearing test can have serious negative consequences, so don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us at All Ear Doctors to schedule an appointment and consultation!