If you’re like most, you’ve likely been postponing your hearing test. You may even have had others propose that you get one but you keep finding reasons not to go.
If that’s the case, we’re going to attempt to persuade you to start the new year by finally getting that hearing test. As you’ll notice, having your hearing tested is quick and easy, and if you do have hearing loss, correcting it does wonders for your overall health and happiness—not to mention it gets everyone off your back.
So here’s our case for why you should set up a hearing test as soon as possible.
Our top 10 reasons to get a hearing test 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 requires less time than it takes to go shopping for groceries. As opposed to having it continually in the back of your mind, call today and get it over with.
2. If your hearing is normal you can rub it in – if the hearing test verifies that your hearing is normal, you can inform your family members and friends that they really ARE mumbling.
3. You may, in fact, have hearing loss and not realize it – hearing loss develops gradually, so the person afflicted is almost always not the first to notice. That implies there’s a good chance your loved ones were right when they recommended that you get a hearing test in the first place.
4. Hearing loss becomes worse over time and is best treated early – the hearing you lose cannot be completely recovered, but hearing aids can help reverse the process and stimulate the parts of the brain involved with speech and sound processing.
5. Hearing loss may be indicative of other health problems – hearing loss is usually caused by direct exposure to loud noise or by the normal aging process. But sometimes, hearing loss is a manifestation of a more dangerous underlying cardiovascular or neurological condition. Either way, your hearing health is heavily linked to your total well-being.
6. You can protect and enhance your mind and memory – recent studies by Johns Hopkins University have linked hearing loss to cognitive decline, memory problems, and even dementia. But a recent study has also established that maximizing sound stimulation to the brain may help to keep your mind sharp.
7. You can elevate your mood – researchers have found a strong connection between hearing loss and depression, but research also shows that people with hearing loss that use hearing aids have less depressive symptoms and heightened social engagement.
8. You’ll be more social and outgoing – If you do have hearing loss and can be helped by hearing aids, you may discover a change in your social behavior. Individuals with better hearing have the tendency to be more extroverted and less restrained in groups, which boosts both mood and physical health.
9. You’ll have better conversations – hearing loss normally impacts speech comprehension to the greatest degree, disrupting conversations. If you’re tired of having to say “what” all the time, it may be time for a hearing test.
10. You can make 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, contingent on the degree of hearing loss. However, the study also found that the use of hearing aids offset these income effects by 50 percent.
As the research continues to come in, it will only validate how crucial hearing health is to our total quality of life. So if you are concerned about your health, your relationships, and your total well-being, now is the time to take action.
So how about it? For the benefit of your health and happiness and for those around you, schedule your hearing test today!