The old saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is a favorite in the audiology community. As hearing health professionals, we understand how important prevention and early intervention are to a healthy auditory system. After all, a large percentage of hearing loss cases are entirely preventable. As we age, there is a greater opportunity for a hearing loss to develop, which can lead to other mental, emotional and physical health problems. To prevent the development of hearing-related complications, individuals over 50 should make annual hearing exams a part of their preventive health routine.
Some conditions are easy to identify and are therefore more likely to be treated quickly. A toothache, for example, is not likely to be ignored for an extensive length of time. However, hearing loss can be difficult to discern. In many cases of noise-induced hearing loss, the impairment occurs over a lifetime, making it much easier to adapt to. On average, people wait up to seven years to seek treatment for a hearing loss. During this time, untreated hearing loss can take its toll on many areas of your emotional, physical and mental well-being.
For this reason, audiologists recommend annual hearing exams for all individuals over 50 years of age. A standard hearing exam takes approximately an hour to complete, and generally involves a physical examination of the ear, sound-based tests and a consultation with the hearing professional. The test will gauge your auditory capabilities and determine if the use of hearing aids is necessary.
If a hearing loss is diagnosed, your hearing health professional will generally provide a personalized hearing treatment plan, which may involve auditory rehabilitation and assistance from listening devices. When a hearing loss is identified, it is important to seek immediate treatment. Left untreated, hearing loss can worsen and even impair cognitive function.
By being proactive about your hearing health, you can prevent the unwanted complications of hearing loss—including depression, social isolation, anxiety and decreased cognitive function—from affecting your life. To find a Tuscon hearing loss specialist, contact our team today. Our highly skilled of audiology professionals provide cutting edge services, including advanced diagnostics, digital hearing aids and cochlear implants. Learn more about our team by calling us at (520) 399-7630.