Hearing Test: Why It Is Important to Diagnose in The Early Stage

Routine screenings for hearing loss are an essential part of overall well-being. Poor hearing has been linked to balance problems, walking issues, and frequent falling. It can affect children's development. Recent studies show that hearing loss can increase dementia risk, and severe impairment may increase the chances of dementia as much as five times. Because it is so crucial to hear well, doctors recommend testing everyone regularly. Routine tests help diagnose issues early and often prevent more serious problems. 

Hearing Affects Children's Development 

The sense of hearing is so essential that hospitals typically test infants shortly after birth. The screening is simple and painless and involves placing a small electrode on a child's head. The electrode can measure how nerves respond to a sound. The baby does not have to be awake, and results are automatic. 

Poor hearing can have a profound impact on childhood development. If newborns are not screened at birth, doctors recommend scheduling a hearing test before they are a month old. Most children pass the test. If they do not, parents should arrange complete testing before they are three months old.  

According to the CDC, children at risk for progressive, delayed onset, or acquired hearing loss should be tested before 2 1/2. If they have progressive hearing loss, it will get worse over time. Poor hearing can affect a child's language, communication, and social skills. The earlier children get help with hearing issues, the greater the chances they will reach their full potential. 

Screenings Can Uncover Medical Conditions

Aging often causes hearing loss, but the problem can also be related to undiagnosed medical problems. High blood pressure may cause tinnitus and hearing loss. Diabetes is also linked to hearing issues. Anyone with either condition who has hearing difficulties should arrange a screening. Many people have been able to reverse hearing loss when doctors discovered and treated underlying conditions.

Routine Exams Identify Changes

Just as annual tests can detect vision changes and allow for correction, routine screenings for hearing loss will catch the earliest signs of problems. Many things can impact hearing, and it's possible to develop issues without knowing it. Difficulty detecting high-pitched or soft sounds may be an early sign of hearing problems. Tinnitinitus, or ringing ears, can also indicate some hearing loss.  

Routine exams allow audiologists to gauge patients' hearing ability and pick up on minor changes. That can be crucial since many people become socially isolated as hearing issues worsen. They may have trouble following conversations or enjoying entertainment.  

Early Detection Can Prevent Damage 

As undetected hearing loss progresses, the condition can become more serious. But, more is lost than just the ability to hear others. The elderly may be at risk for injuries if they cannot hear smoke alarms, car horns, and other warnings.  

Per Hopkins Medicine, there is evidence that hearing loss is linked to accelerated brain atrophy. Combined with social isolation, poor hearing can contribute to dementia. When the brain has to work to process sound, the mental processing required to maintain balance and walk well can be affected.  

The sense of hearing plays such a crucial role in overall health that doctors recommend annual screenings to catch problems early. Early diagnosis in adults can often identify underlying medical conditions and provide solutions that prevent poor hearing from affecting quality of life. Infants should be screened at birth to prevent developmental delays associated with hearing loss.