These days most of us lead pretty busy lives. That means some things get pushed to the back of the line. However when it comes to your health, it’s never a good idea to place things off. That’s especially true when it comes to getting the hearing checked. Now you may well be convinced that this is one exam you can turned off for a while, particularly if you haven’t noticed any symptoms. But there are a few very reasons to get a check-up. Here are five benefits associated with a free hearing test.
1. Better Family Relationships
Often, family members may notice a hearing loss sooner than the person with the issue. This can lead to arguments over the volume of TV and movies or who said how about something. Sometimes people can misinterpret your actions if it appears you’re ignoring them (rather than simply not hearing them). After getting the results of your hearing test, you can take action to fix any problems, including family fights.
2. Hearing The Little Things You Miss
A hearing test provides a roadmap of sorts to allow the audiologist to ascertain where any hearing loss has occurred and how better to program hearing aids to allow you to hear sounds in that range again. Which means you’ll hear sounds you’ve been missing such as a ticking clock, rustling leaves, chirping birds or children’s laughter. It’s certainly a great way to brighten any day!
3. Removing The Uncertainty
If you’re considering getting a hearing exam, you almost certainly suspect that you have some hearing loss. Living with uncertainty is stressful. Hearing tests are painless and take only about one hour of your time. Once you have the results, you can determine how best to move forward. For many people, there is relief in realizing that hearing aids will improve their quality of life.
4. Better Social Relationships
Socializing can be awkward when you’re not hearing portions of conversation due to background noise or if people believe you’re standoffish. There can also be that little issue of not hearing all the details of what the boss says at a meeting. Aren’t you tired of saying, “What?” or asking visitors to repeat themselves? Studies indicate that better hearing leads to better health as well.
5. Catching Other Health Issues
Sometimes hearing loss is an indicator. It can be caused by an infection or an earwax impaction or potentially serious medical issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease or kidney disease. Hearing loss is associated with depression, dementia and falls.
When you consider these five benefits of a hearing test, doesn’t it seem to be important enough to move it to the head of your to-do list? Audiologists have the education and training to determine the cause of any hearing loss and offer treatment options. They’re also there to consult and discuss any concerns you may have about your hearing reduction and its impact on your daily routine. If it’s been years since your last hearing test, it’s probably a chance to see an audiologist.