It’s hard to believe that another year is coming to a close. As you prepare to look ahead to 2023, you’re probably thinking about the goals you want to achieve and experiences you hope to enjoy.
If you have hearing loss, having a hearing test and seeking treatment can help ensure you make the most of the new year.
What Is a Hearing Test? 
According to the National Library of Medicine, when it comes to testing your hearing, “a pure-tone audiogram is generally regarded as the screening test of choice in adults.” It is a quick, painless exam that allows your audiologist to accurately diagnose both the cause and severity of your hearing loss, which helps determine the best treatment options.
Best Reasons To Get Your Hearing Checked
- Increase your confidence. Hearing loss makes it harder to communicate and understand the world around you. This can affect your confidence in your ability to interact with others. This might make you more hesitant to speak up at work or decide not to sign up for a Zumba class at the Capp Street Senior Center. Treating your hearing loss with hearing aids or other assistive listening devices can help get your confidence back up.
- Improve your relationships. Treating your hearing loss also makes it easier to stay connected with friends and loved ones. Hearing aids can reduce miscommunication and make conversations more relaxing and enjoyable for everyone involved.
- Reduce isolation. Because untreated hearing loss can make socializing so much harder, many with the condition begin to withdraw and isolate from others. Not only can this isolation make your hearing loss worse, but it can increase feelings of anxiety and depression as well.
- Prevent future hearing loss. Seeking treatment early is the best way to prioritize your hearing health and possibly minimize future damage. Regular hearing loss screenings make it easier to see the progression of your hearing loss and your audiologist can recommend ways to help protect your hearing.
- Protect your health. Hearing loss can have negative effects that go beyond your ability to understand speech and sound. Left untreated, it can lead to higher levels of anxiety and depression, increase your risk of balance issues, and even make it more likely that you develop cognitive decline and dementia.
If you have been putting off getting a hearing test, there’s no time like the present. Call San Francisco Audiology today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.