Question: My primary care physician recommends a hearing test at my initial Medicare appointment. Why does he do this if I have no complaints about my hearing yet?
Answer: At that initial Medicare exam your physician is setting up a Preventive Plan of Service to maintain your health and wellness. Hearing loss is a known result of conditions including diabetes, heart disease, memory decline, increased falls and overall hospitalizations. Early diagnosis of hearing loss can lead to early diagnosis of other serious conditions or treatments.
Following up with the hearing exams gives insight into your health, as well as piece of mind. Even knowing you are in the beginning stages of hearing loss, you can be assured your health is being monitored before it has a negative impact on your life socially, mentally or physically.