If you’re like most, you’ve probably been delaying your hearing test. You might even have had others propose that you get one but you keep finding excuses not to go.
If that’s the case, we’re going to try to persuade you to start the new year by finally getting that hearing test. As you’ll see, having your hearing tested is fast and easy, and if you do have hearing loss, addressing 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 schedule 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 less than an hour – it’s easy to schedule an appointment, and having your hearing tested takes less time than it takes to shop for groceries. Instead of having it constantly 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 confirms 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 realize it – hearing loss develops slowly, so the person afflicted is usually not the first to notice. That means 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 fully recovered, but hearing aids can help reverse the process and stimulate the areas of the brain involved with sound and speech processing.
5. Hearing loss may be an indicator of other health issues – hearing loss is typically caused by direct exposure to loud noise or by the normal aging process. But on occasion, hearing loss is a manifestation of a more dangerous underlying cardiovascular or neurological condition. Either way, your hearing health is heavily connected to your total well-being.
6. You can preserve and enhance 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 maximizing sound stimulation to the brain may help to keep your mind strong.
7. You can enhance your mood – researchers have found a strong association between hearing loss and depression, but research also shows that individuals with hearing loss that use hearing aids have less depressive symptoms and heightened social engagement.
8. You’ll be more outgoing and social – If you do have hearing loss and can be helped by hearing aids, you might discover a change in your social habits. Those with healthier hearing have been found to be more extroverted and less reserved in groups, which enhances both mood and physical health.
9. You’ll have better conversations – hearing loss commonly impacts speech comprehension the most, interfering with conversations. If you’re tired of having to say “what” all of 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 people with hearing loss, on average, earn $12,000 less per year compared to those with normal hearing, based 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 verify how crucial hearing health is to our overall quality of life. So if you care about your health, your relationships, and your overall 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, arrange your hearing test today!