When was the last time you got your hearing tested? If it was more than five years ago, you may want to add a hearing test to February’s to-do list.
According to hearing expert Jennifer Hutchingame, from Hear Right Canada’s Lacombe, Alberta location, those younger than 50 should get their hearing checked every five years. Those over 50, along with those with pre-existing conditions or a family history of hearing loss, should book a test every year.
“Hearing loss affects more than just the ears – losing your hearing disconnects you from the people and environments around you and affects your mental, emotional and overall health,” Hutchingame says. “In fact, hearing is such an important part of the human experience that when asked which she considered more important, Helen Keller said she would rather be able to hear again than see again, if given the opportunity to pick between the two.”
Do you know the early warning signs of potential hearing loss?Tinnitus Or Ringing In One Or Both Ears.
- People often having to repeat themselves for you to understand them during conversations.
- Trouble Hearing Noises Of Varying Frequency(for example birds in the backyard).
- Constantly needing to turn the volume upon the radio or television.
- Ears feeling “plugged”
- Having difficulty with conversations in crowds/ background noise
- Difficulty understanding conversations with individuals with accents
These are just a few examples of what to watch out for, but the best way to protect yourself against hearing loss is taking your hearing seriously from a young age. Some of the most common causes of hearing damage are everyday activities easily brushed aside as “no big deal, ” such as:
- Regularly Mowing The Lawn Without Proper Ear Protection.
- Headphones or wireless earbuds–if someone beside can hear the music you are listening to, you’re damaging your hearing.
- Listening to loud music in the car – if it’s loud enough to hear outside of the vehicle, it’s loud enough to cause damage.
- Job Sites, worksites with excessive daily noise, such as construction sites, transit, vet clinics etc.
The most important thing you can do for your hearing today – aside from turning down the volume of the world around you – is getting your hearing checked regularly.
Many clinics like Hear Right Canada offer complimentary consultations and medical referrals. If you end up requiring hearing aids they can also provide information on how to find financial support through a wide variety of Canadian programs.
Find out more information on hearrightcanada.ca or book a complimentary hearing test online today or follow Hear Right Canada on Facebook.