This post was originally published by Starkey.com.
No one ever said starting a new journey was easy, especially when it involves your health. But when it comes to staying connected to the world around you, taking that first step toward maintaining your hearing is one of the best things you can do — for yourself, and for the people you care about.
That first step is to get your hearing tested — preferably by a licensed hearing care professional.
It’s simple, pain-free, and worth it just to hear every little giggle of a new family member, every toast that comes with finally getting everyone together, even the simple crunch of gravel beneath your feet — the sunny reminder that man, it’s great to be out.
Better hearing helps ensure you never miss a moment, big or small. And if that isn’t enough, here are 12 more good reasons to test your hearing and treat any hearing loss you may have.
1. Hearing tests are painless and often free
Getting your hearing tested by a hearing care professional is not only pain-free, but also so simple you’ll wonder what any worry was about. Still, you could start with an online hearing test if you’re not quite ready to commit to a full hearing evaluation.
2. Experts recommend regular screenings once you’re 50
Getting your hearing checked/tested every three years allows you to keep track of your hearing and stay proactive about your overall health.
3. You may have hearing loss and not realize it
In a recent study, nearly half the participants who reported no trouble hearing turned out to have mild hearing loss. Indeed, hearing loss can be subtle and blend into life. But the sooner you know it’s there, the sooner you can treat it and never miss a moment.
4. Hearing loss is linked to dementia
Did you know that adults with moderate hearing loss are three times more likely to develop dementia over time, and five times more likely if their hearing loss is severe? Treating hearing loss can help lower your risk.
5. Hearing loss impacts your emotional wellbeing
Studies have linked hearing loss to higher risks of loneliness and social isolation. Conversely, better hearing can help you stay connected with the outside world.
6. Hearing loss can be an early warning sign or flag other issues
These include health conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes — more reasons why it’s crucial to be proactive with your hearing health.
7. Untreated hearing loss can increase your risk of falls by 30 percent
Reasons may include decreased awareness over your surroundings caused by hearing loss, making falls more likely. Plus, if your brain is overwhelmed by the demands of hearing loss, it may be less able to help with your balance and gait.
8. Treating hearing loss can increase your life satisfaction
Research into the effect of hearing aid use on cognition in older adults revealed that wearing hearing aids significantly improved the quality of life of the study’s participants.
9. Early treatment of hearing loss makes it easier for your brain to adapt
Your brain needs time to adjust to wearing hearing aids, Dr. Frank Lin of Johns Hopkins Medicine confirms. So the sooner you begin wearing them (if needed), the easier your hearing loss will be to treat.
10. Treating hearing loss can help relieve stress
Better hearing helps you interact with others — and it just so happens that social contact is key to relieving stress, according to the Mayo Clinic. Talk about a win-win!
11. Testing your hearing is a chance to correct the naysayers
Hey, if your hearing test shows your hearing is normal, you can rub it in the face of all the people who insisted you were hard of hearing. (Turns out they are mumbling, right?)
12. Today’s hearing technology helps you hear better and live better
If you have hearing loss and hearing aids are recommended, you’re in great hands. Today’s advanced hearing technology easily adapts to your life and can help you hear better anywhere, monitor your hearing and health progress, control your hearing aids from your smartphone, and much more.
But really, the number one reason to get your hearing tested is you. You deserve to be able to live every moment to the fullest.
So go for it — take that next step and get your hearing tested by a hearing care professional. They will be happy to guide you through the test and walk you through your options, if needed.
Not sure where to find a hearing professional near you? Find your local South Suburban Hearing Health Center and start your hearing journey today!