5 Reasons to Have a Hearing Test

If you sometimes struggle to hear what people are saying, either in person or on television, you might be suffering from hearing loss. Although some people think hearing loss is an inevitable part of aging and not worth investigating, the diagnosis and treatment of poor hearing can actually bring many benefits. The first step is to schedule a hearing test; here are five reasons not to put it off any longer.

1. Hearing Tests Are Quick And Painless 

A hearing test is completely non-invasive and only takes a few minutes to complete. All you have to do is listen to some sounds and indicate when you hear something by pressing a button. The health professional conducting the test may also ask some questions about your lifestyle, such as whether you work in a noisy environment.

2. Hearing Aids Are Better Than Ever

As a child, you might have seen your grandparents adjusting their hearing aids and shuddered at the thought of ever getting old enough to need such devices. The good news is that hearing aids today are much smaller, more discrete and more effective than they used to be. Most people will not even notice that you are wearing hearing aids. The only difference you are likely to notice is that you can hear much better while wearing the aids.

3. Hearing Loss Is Linked To Heart Disease

Heart disease limits blood flow through the body. One of the first signs of poor circulation is often damage to the hair cells inside the ear that allow you to detect sounds. If your hearing test shows that you have hearing loss, that could be a sign that it is time you went to the doctor for a cardiovascular checkup.

4. Untreated Hearing Loss Is Linked To Dementia

Two studies, published in 2011 and 2013, showed that older people who have untreated hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia. On the other hand, studies have also shown that treating hearing loss reduces the risk of cognitive decline. Scientists are not sure whether it is the stress of straining to hear quiet sounds or the lack of stimulation to hearing cells in the brain that leads to cognitive decline, but either way, the conclusion is clear: getting hearing aids could help to keep your brain healthy.

5. Hearing Aids Help You Enjoy Life

Many people who struggle to hear properly become withdrawn and socially isolated. Rather than staying home while your friends hang out in noisy environments, schedule a hearing test so you can find out what the problem with your hearing is and get it treated.

Share