Check Your Hearing This Month
October is National Protect Your Hearing Month, a perfect time to prioritize your hearing health. Whether you’re young or old, taking action now could prevent future hearing issues. Understanding the importance of regular checkups is essential for maintaining good hearing.
Why Hearing Matters
Hearing affects more than just how well we communicate. It connects us to the world around us. Untreated hearing loss can lead to several other health issues, including:
- Social isolation
- Cognitive decline
- Anxiety and depression
These risks highlight the importance of making hearing health a priority.
Signs It’s Time to Get Your Hearing Checked
Hearing loss is often gradual and easy to miss. However, certain signs suggest it might be time for a hearing checkup. Here are a few things to watch for:
- Struggling to hear conversations in noisy environments
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
- Turning up the volume on your devices
- Hearing a constant ringing in your ears
If you notice these symptoms, schedule a hearing test immediately.
When Should You Get a Hearing Test?
Everyone should make hearing checks a regular part of their health routine. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recommends the following:
- Adults under 50: Get your hearing checked every three to five years.
- Adults over 50: Schedule a hearing test every three years.
- Individuals over 60: Consider annual hearing exams to detect early changes.
- Newborns and Children: It’s essential to make sure children are hearing well for language development.
Regular hearing tests help catch issues early, keeping you connected and healthy.
The Importance of Early Detection
Hearing loss doesn’t just affect your ability to communicate—it can also impact your mental and physical health. By addressing hearing issues early, you can avoid potential complications like:
- Memory problems
- Fatigue from straining to hear
- Trouble maintaining relationships
Addressing hearing issues early ensures a better quality of life in the long run.
Protecting Your Hearing
Preventing hearing loss starts with protection. Excessive exposure to loud noises, like concerts or power tools, can damage your hearing over time. Simple steps to protect your ears include:
- Wearing earplugs at loud events
- Using earmuffs when working with loud equipment
- Limiting the volume on personal audio devices
These small steps make a big difference in protecting your hearing.
What to Expect During a Hearing Test
A hearing test is simple and painless. During the test, your audiologist will measure how well you hear different tones and pitches. Afterward, they’ll explain the results and recommend the next steps.
If you’re diagnosed with hearing loss, your audiologist may suggest hearing aids or other treatments. They’ll help you find the right solution for your lifestyle.
Don’t Wait—Take Action
Hearing loss is easier to treat when caught early. Make hearing tests part of your routine health care. If it’s been a while since your last hearing exam, now is the perfect time to schedule one. Contact Stanford Hearing to protect your hearing for years to come.