If you’re similar to most, you’ve likely been postponing your hearing test. You might 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 try to convince 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, addressing 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 book a hearing test right away.
Our top 10 reasons to get a hearing test are:
1. The hearing test is pain-free and takes under an hour – it’s easy to set up an appointment, and getting 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 set up your appointment.
2. If your hearing is normal you can rub it in – if the hearing test certifies that your hearing is normal, you can inform 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 slowly, so the person afflicted is in most cases not the first to notice. That implies there’s a good chance your loved ones were correct when they suggested 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 entirely restored, but hearing aids can help reverse the process and stimulate the areas of the brain involved in speech and sound processing.
5. Hearing loss may be an indicator of other health problems – hearing loss is commonly caused by direct exposure to loud noise or by the normal aging process. But occasionally, hearing loss is a symptom of a more dangerous underlying cardiovascular or neurological condition. Either way, your hearing health is heavily connected to your overall 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 problems, and even dementia. But a recent study has also revealed that maximizing sound stimulation to the brain may help to keep your mind strong.
7. You can elevate your mood – researchers have discovered 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 social and outgoing – If you do have hearing loss and can be helped by hearing aids, you might detect a difference in your social habits. People with better hearing tend to be more extroverted and less restrained in groups, which improves both mood and physical health.
9. You’ll have better conversations – hearing loss in most cases affects speech comprehension the most, interfering with conversations. If you’re fed up with having to say “what” constantly, it may be time for a hearing test.
10. You can make more money – a study by the Better Hearing Institute found that individuals 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 pour in, it will only confirm how crucial hearing health is to our total quality of life. So if you are concerned about your health, your relationships, and your overall well-being, this is the time to take action.
So how about it? For the sake of your health and happiness and for those around you, arrange for your hearing test today!