If you’re similar to most, you’ve probably been putting off your hearing test. You may even have had others advise that you get one but you keep coming up with excuses not to go.
If that’s the case, we’re going to attempt to convince you to begin the new year by finally getting that hearing test. As you’ll notice, getting a hearing test is quick and easy, and if you do have hearing loss, correcting it does wonders for your all-around health and happiness—not to mention it gets everyone off your back.
So here’s our case for why you should book a hearing test as soon as possible.
Our top 10 reasons to get your hearing tested are:
1. The hearing test is painless and takes under an hour – it’s simple to set up an appointment, and having your hearing tested takes less time than it takes to go shopping for groceries. Rather than having it continually in the back of your mind, call today and set up your appointment.
2. If your hearing is normal you can rub it in – if the hearing test verifies that your hearing is normal, you can tell your friends and family members that they really ARE mumbling.
3. You may, in fact, have hearing loss and not recognize it – hearing loss builds up gradually, so the person affected is normally not the first to notice. That means there’s a good chance your loved ones were correct when they recommended that you get a hearing test in the first place.
4. Hearing loss gets worse over time and is best treated early – the hearing you lose cannot be entirely restored, but hearing aids can help reverse the process and stimulate the portions of the brain involved in speech and sound processing.
5. Hearing loss may be an indicator of other health problems – hearing loss is usually caused by exposure to loud noise or by the normal aging process. But occasionally, hearing loss is a manifestation of a more dangerous underlying cardiovascular or neurological condition. In any event, your hearing health is heavily connected to your total well-being.
6. You can preserve and improve your mind and memory – recent studies by Johns Hopkins University have linked hearing loss to cognitive decline, memory issues, and even dementia. But a recent study has also demonstrated that enhancing sound stimulation to the brain may help to keep your mind strong.
7. You can elevate your mood – researchers have found a strong association between hearing loss and depression, but research also demonstrates that people with hearing loss that use hearing aids have less depressive symptoms and greater social engagement.
8. You’ll be more outgoing and social – If you do have hearing loss and can be helped by hearing aids, you may notice an adjustment in your social habits. Individuals with better hearing have the tendency to be more extroverted and less restrained in groups, which heightens both mood and physical health.
9. You’ll have better conversations – hearing loss commonly affects speech comprehension the most, interfering with conversations. If you’re tired of having to say “what” all the time, it may be time for a hearing test.
10. You can earn more money – a study by the Better Hearing Institute found that those with hearing loss, on average, earn $12,000 less per year when compared with those with normal hearing, depending on the degree of hearing loss. However, the study also found that the use of hearing aids canceled out these income effects by 50 percent.
As the research continues to pour in, it will only verify how fundamental hearing health is to our total quality of life. So if you care about your health, your relationships, and your total well-being, now is the time to take action.
So how about it? For the sake of your health and happiness and for those around you, set up your hearing test today!