Early Hearing Testing: Why It Matters

Hearing loss is a gradual process with signs and symptoms. Apart from its impact on your hearing ability, hearing loss may trigger other conditions. This is why you need an early hearing test to determine your ear health. An early hearing test is necessary for many reasons, some of which will be discussed in this article. 

For Progressive Development in Children

The effect of hearing loss goes beyond the emotional and physical aspects in children. It impacts their social and academic development while hindering their communication skills and development. However, with early detection, your child can access interventions that provide excellent support in their growth.

Did you know that a child stands a 35% chance of failing to move to the next grade even with hearing loss in one ear? Fortunately, an early hearing test can make a remarkable difference in every area of their development.

To Reduce Needless Falls

Did you know that persons with hearing loss either in one or both ears are three times more likely to lose their balance and fall? This was contained in a John Hopkins University report in collaboration with other independent researchers. The report further indicated that the likelihood of falling among older adults is more than the average.

Fortunately, you can reduce your risks with an early hearing test. That’s because an early hearing test will, first of all, detect a disorder, after which the audiologist will recommend hearing aids which play a vital role in maintaining balance. 

Brain Health

It takes the brain to interpret the sounds your ears perceive for better understanding. The part of the brain responsible for this is the auditory cortex. In ideal circumstances, the auditory cortex remains active because sounds are transmitted from the tiny hair cells in the ear. The auditory nerve then carries the sound to the brain for interpretation.

This explains why a break in sound transmission induces a lack of activity for the auditory cortex. As expected, a body organ that loses part or all its functions will begin to deteriorate. Furthermore, it explains why cognitive decline conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia persist more among older adults who have had hearing loss for a long time.

Apart from these two medical conditions, brain atrophy has been found to occur in persons with unmanaged hearing loss. Thankfully, diagnosis through early testing can reduce your chances of developing cognitive decline by 75% and improve your life’s quality.

The Convenience of Getting Used to Hearing Aids Earlier

According to consumer report.org, it takes an average of four months to adjust to hearing aids use. This means wearers need to cope with the thought of having been diagnosed with hearing loss and their new life. Therefore, when you have your hearing test done earlier, you have a better chance of adjusting earlier and living your regular life than another person who receives a late diagnosis.

Reduces Depression Rates Among Persons with Hearing Loss

A 2017 medical research discovered a connection between depression and hearing loss. The report further indicated that persons who experience hearing loss tend to have a 57% chance of sinking into depressive episodes. This usually happens among groups who fail to seek early care for their deteriorating sense of hearing. In addition, depression happens because of an inability to communicate with others.

Moreover, it has more to do with being unable to partake effectively in discussions with family or a professional setting. Unfortunately, feelings of inadequacy become a fertile breeding ground for depression. However, with an early hearing test, you cut down the likelihood of getting depressed and enjoying a fulfilling social life.

Improves Relationships

Unfortunately, people who experience hearing loss unconsciously pull away from public activities and sometimes become reclusive. Their turning to solitary lifestyles may be a way to deal with their hearing loss without feeling ashamed. However, a solitary lifestyle might trigger depression and other mental issues if not addressed immediately. Fortunately, early testing and diagnosis can provide a feasible solution to this issue.

Your relationship with others improves significantly once you can hear again with the help of these devices. Additionally, people with hearing loss have admitted to an instant confidence boost when they can hear again with these devices. A significant boost in your social engagements becomes the platform to build relationships with others. If you have any problems with your hearing or need a hearing test done, call Hear Here Audiology today at 727-289-1212 for further information.