Most people never think about asking their doctor for a hearing screening. They don’t have significant issues, so they let hearing problems slide. Hearing loss creeps up on a person. It rarely happens overnight, which is why regular screenings are essential. They help detect slight changes in hearing so a treatment plan can be developed before the problem progresses.
Furthermore, a hearing test develops a baseline doctors can use to determine the extent of further hearing loss. Whether a person learns they have a problem after completing an online hearing test or one in a doctor’s office, the issue can never be ignored. The problem might be a medical condition that can be addressed to resolve the hearing loss, or it could be another problem. An audiologist is needed to determine the cause of the loss and the extent of the damage so that the correct treatment plan can be developed.
Diagnosing Hearing Loss
The audiologist will conduct a thorough examination and carry out tests to learn more about the hearing loss. This allows them to rule out medical conditions. Often, hearing loss results from excessive noise exposure, but it may also be part of aging. Once the audiologist has gathered this information, they can create a plan addressing the patient’s needs.
Additional Benefits of Hearing Tests
Every person needs regular hearing tests, including those who have been diagnosed with hearing loss. The audiologist uses these tests to monitor the patient’s hearing and adjust the treatment plan. How are these tests beneficial?
Hearing aids stimulate the auditory system and provide sensory information to the brain. When audiologists test hearing, they can make adjustments to ensure the amplification is correct and that these signals can be delivered. They confirm the hearing aids conform to the patient’s prescription.
Individuals with hearing loss often struggle with tinnitus. The continuous noise interferes with their concentration and may prevent them from sleeping. The audiologist tests for tinnitus during hearing tests and can make recommendations to combat the problem.
A person might discover they have a medical condition during a hearing test, particularly if they have balance issues. Meniere’s Disease and Acoustic Neuromas may be diagnosed as part of a hearing test. The individual can then seek treatment for these medical conditions and improve their balance so they are less at risk of accidents.
As a person ages, their body changes. They may not notice these changes, including any that impact their hearing, because they come on so gradually. People might assume their hearing is okay, only to learn that it is diminishing during a test. Regular hearing screenings ensure problems are detected early, and a treatment plan can be developed. A person who discovers they are losing their hearing at an early stage can receive treatment to prevent the problem from escalating. Mild hearing loss tends to respond better to treatment than severe hearing loss that has occurred over time.
Hearing loss can lead to a range of health conditions. Sadly, many seniors suffering from hearing loss go on to develop Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. This loss has also been linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, and other medical issues. Regular hearing tests can help individuals protect their health and receive prompt treatment when a problem is discovered.
Hearing loss doesn’t have to be a normal part of aging. With regular screenings, a person can ensure their hearing remains optimal to enjoy life to the fullest. A person has nothing to lose by taking this step, so every individual should schedule a hearing test today.
