When we think about our physical health, we often forget that our hearing is a part of our overall well-being. We have many other physical ailments to worry about, but this April is Physical Wellness Month and the perfect time for our audiologists to raise awareness for hearing health and physical health. Changes in our physical health can have a direct impact on hearing while hearing loss can also have an impact on our physical health. With this direct relationship comes an increased importance on how we care for our hearing and our bodies. We must be sure that we pay attention to what our bodies need and what they don’t need when it comes to health. We only have one body and one life, and Physical Wellness Month is the perfect motivation to start living a healthier lifestyle.
As we age, hearing loss is a part of physical changes in our body. It also affects us mentally and emotionally. According to one expert, “Physical trauma and excessive noise can affect hearing, as can tumors and benign growths, medications, infections, allergies and diseases such as multiple sclerosis and diabetes mellitus.” Regular visits to the doctor’s office can help monitor or even prevent these types of health conditions. The most common type of hearing loss, though, is the inevitable result of aging. Age-related hearing loss may also be accompanied by tinnitus — a ringing, rushing or chirping sound — and by vertigo and disequilibrium.
The consequences of hearing loss go beyond the physical; here, an audiologist can determine if there is a medical condition more than just simple age-related hearing loss and help you explore the best options. We offer solutions like ear wax removal, hearing aids, ear molds, and middle ear testing which will improve your physical wellness and your health. A healthy lifestyle starts with your own self-monitoring and a visit to the doctor. When you go for your annual physical, be sure to discuss hearing loss and hearing testing with your physician. Only 14% of physicians routinely screen for hearing loss during a physical. Since most people with hearing impairments hear well in a quiet environment like a doctor’s office, it can be virtually impossible for your physician to recognize the extent of your problem. Concerns can then be turned towards our audiologists for the next step. We will work with you and your loved ones to ensure that your needs are being met and your physical health is being cared for.
