Add Improved Hearing To Your New Year’s Health Goals!

Add Improved Hearing To Your New Year’s Health Goals!


It’s that time of year to reflect on what we accomplished this year and plan what we want to do this year. For many people, this means getting in shape and eating correctly. As we work to reclaim our health after the holiday binge, it’s understandable that health is a primary focus.

But, when it comes to our health, how often do we think about our ears? Taking care of your hearing health, like your general health, can significantly impact other aspects of your life. The first step is to include an annual hearing test.

The importance of regular hearing tests

Hearing loss develops slowly. Hearing loss isn’t something that happens overnight. It happens as our ears get older or after a long period of listening to loud music or working in a noisy setting. It may take years for the effects of gradual hearing loss to become apparent, but once they do, they are unlikely to go away. That is why it is critical to keep track of your hearing and be prepared for any potential problems. Then you can make modifications to protect your remaining hearing and begin hearing loss treatment as soon as possible for the best results.

Hearing loss can lead to other health problems. It’s critical to address our hearing loss before it becomes a more significant issue in our lives. Most people are unaware that hearing loss increases our chances of developing other health problems and negatively impacts our careers and relationships. Hearing loss that goes untreated makes it difficult for our brains to stay active and healthy as we age. Research has connected it to dementia and a decline in cognitive function. Hearing loss has been related to various individual mental health problems, including social isolation and depression, because those who suffer from it are more likely to withdraw socially. The consequences extend to the workplace, where people with severe hearing loss may expect to earn $30,000 less on average than those who can hear typically.

With hearing loss related to social, mental, and financial issues, you’d think that many individuals would want to treat their ears with the same care they would like in any other area of their body. Statistics, on the other hand, suggest the contrary. Many people put off seeking help for their hearing problems for an average of seven years. Can you imagine suffering from diabetes or high blood pressure for so long before taking action? That is why regular hearing tests are recommended to maintain a close eye on your hearing abilities.

And the checks don’t have to be complicated or intrusive! The first screening by us may be enough if you pass the screening without issue.

What is involved in a hearing test?

Most people require a screening, which differs from a full-fledged hearing test. It usually entails a basic pure-tone test, in which you must listen to a succession of tones at various frequencies, with the frequencies steadily decreasing until you are unable to perceive the sound. 

You’ll also be tested on your ability to perceive speech at various volumes, and we may use an otoscope, which has a flashlight and a magnifying lens, to look into your ear. The procedure is entirely painless and non-invasive.

If you have any type of hearing loss or are in one of the risk groups, experts recommend testing your hearing once a year to keep track of how your hearing has changed. The following people are in the high-risk category:

  • People who work in occupations that expose them to high noise levels regularly, such as construction, nightclub, or agricultural workers.
  • Motorcycle drivers, hunters, and musicians are examples of people who engage in recreational activities where they are regularly exposed to high noise levels.
  • People who are over 60 years old.

If you fit into one of these groups, contact us today to schedule a hearing test. Make your hearing health a priority in 2022!