We tend to take our hearing for granted, assuming it will always be there for us, even though hearing loss affects one out of three adults aged 60 or older. Hearing loss develops so gradually that many aren’t even aware of a problem until it has advanced beyond an easily treatable stage.
In honor of May’s National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, we invite you to learn more about hearing loss and why regular hearing exams are crucial.
Causes of Hearing Loss
Some degree of hearing loss is natural as we age. But other factors can lead to hearing loss, including:
- Excessive exposure to loud noise
- Impacted earwax
- Chronic ear infections
- Certain medications
How Hearing Exams Help
Regular hearing exams can help an audiologist spot hearing issues before they get worse and offer a treatment solution to those who might otherwise experience the debilitating social and emotional effects of living with hearing loss. Confusion, depression and social withdrawal are all common in individuals with untreated hearing loss.
Children and Teens Need Hearing Care, Too
Adults aren’t the only ones who benefit from regular hearing screenings. Most newborns are screened at birth, but these tests aren’t always effective at detecting a hearing problem. In addition, some conditions develop or worsen in the first months of life.
Hearing plays a crucial role in a child’s language and social skills development; catching a problem early provides an opportunity to treat the condition sooner rather than later, allowing the child to develop at a normal rate alongside their peers.
Teens and young adults shouldn’t overlook hearing tests, either. Studies show that hearing loss is affecting younger and younger people all the time, thanks in large part to the explosion in popularity of personal music devices and earbuds. If music is regularly played at excessive volume levels through headphones or earbuds, noise-induced hearing loss is likely. Hearing tests offer the opportunity for early detection, as well as a chance to educate this segment of the population on proper usage of these devices.
Take Action Today
Hearing exams are quick, painless and perfectly safe. They allow us to protect one of our most valuable attributes: our sense of hearing. It makes no sense to delay—schedule an appointment to have your hearing checked today!
“Dr. Strand is wonderful. In fact, all the staff are just the best. Personable, and to the point. You will be well cared for at Willamette ENT.”