Regular hearing checkups are a good idea
If you’re proactive about your health and well-being — and more of us are today than ever before — then you may already test your hearing regularly.
But if you don’t and you want to know why you should, keep reading.
Benjamin Franklin famously said “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Even if you don’t know the saying, it’s most likely a philosophy you put into practice in many aspects of your life.
You get your teeth cleaned twice a year in hopes of warding off future cavities. You take your car in for oil changes and tune-ups to ensure it stays in optimal driving condition for as long as possible. You check your eyes, get physicals and blood labs, roto-root your sewer and have your HVAC system inspected and serviced regularly — all because those things are enormously important, and issues with them can be awfully consequential.
We should approach our hearing the same way. It can be enormously important to us, and its impact reaches beyond just our ears.
Hear better, live better
We’ve always believed that when you hear better you live better. It’s why we made it our tagline. Hearing your best keeps you connected and informed, safe and engaged, confident and independent.
Hearing your best can enhance relationships with friends and family, and make listening to music, watching TV and movies, and partaking in nature, activities and events more enjoyable and immersive.
As one of only five senses we have, hearing is enormously important to us.
Untreated hearing loss is not a good idea
Research shows, on the other hand, that hearing loss left untreated is linked to numerous consequential issues, like decreased cognitive function, higher incidences of hospitalizations, depression and falls, and increased risk of social isolation and dementia.
You can see why staying on top of your hearing health is a wise and desired practice.
Yet for many of us, the last time we had our hearing checked was, well, probably a long time ago. Consumer Reports notes that 30 percent of people have gone more than a decade without getting their hearing tested, or have never had it tested at all!
Instead, many wait until they have difficulty before getting their hearing tested. Even then, on average, people wait 10 years before seeking help. Could you imagine living with high cholesterol or high blood pressure or diabetes for a dozen years before taking action?
Being proactive is easier than you think
All this is points back to the blog title — regular hearing checkups are a good idea. And if you work in a noisy environment or participate in hobbies or activities where sound is notoriously loud, regular hearing checkup are especially smart.
There are free hearing screenings you can take online as often as you like. Of course you also can and should find a local hearing professional (just as you found a dentist and doctor and chiropractor and…) — one who has the diagnostic tools and expertise to keep tabs on your hearing and help you if needed.
That same Consumer Reports article referenced above points out that “most insurance — including Medicare — will cover the cost of a comprehensive exam” as long as you get a referral from your doctor.
Early treatment may help prevent later issues
No matter our age, early detection of health concerns offers the best options for treatment and better overall health, and our hearing health is no different. As Benjamin Franklin also wisely said, “Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.”
Archives
- April 2025 (8)
- March 2025 (5)
- February 2025 (6)
- January 2025 (5)
- December 2024 (5)
- November 2024 (6)
- October 2024 (7)
- September 2024 (9)
- August 2024 (7)
- July 2024 (5)
- June 2024 (6)
- May 2024 (7)
- April 2024 (6)
- March 2024 (6)
- February 2024 (5)
- January 2024 (6)
- December 2023 (4)
- November 2023 (5)
- October 2023 (9)
- September 2023 (6)
- August 2023 (6)
- July 2023 (6)
- June 2023 (7)
- May 2023 (4)
- April 2023 (6)
- March 2023 (4)
- February 2023 (8)
- January 2023 (7)
- December 2022 (5)
- November 2022 (5)
- October 2022 (4)
- September 2022 (2)
- August 2022 (6)
- July 2022 (3)
- June 2022 (6)
- May 2022 (5)
- April 2022 (7)
- March 2022 (3)
- February 2022 (2)
- January 2022 (2)
- December 2021 (5)
- November 2021 (6)
- October 2021 (5)
- September 2021 (5)
- August 2021 (4)
- July 2021 (7)
- June 2021 (6)
- May 2021 (7)
- April 2021 (6)
- March 2021 (7)
- February 2021 (5)
- January 2021 (6)
- December 2020 (6)
- November 2020 (5)
- October 2020 (7)
- September 2020 (4)
- August 2020 (4)
- July 2020 (7)
- June 2020 (5)
- May 2020 (7)
- April 2020 (5)
- March 2020 (5)
- February 2020 (2)
- January 2020 (2)
- December 2019 (1)
- November 2019 (2)
- October 2019 (2)
- September 2019 (2)
- August 2019 (2)
- July 2019 (2)
- June 2019 (1)
- May 2019 (2)
- April 2019 (2)
- March 2019 (2)
- February 2019 (2)
- January 2019 (2)
- December 2018 (2)
- November 2018 (3)
- October 2018 (3)
- September 2018 (3)
- August 2018 (3)
- July 2018 (2)
- June 2018 (2)
- May 2018 (2)
- April 2018 (2)
- March 2018 (2)
- February 2018 (2)
- December 2017 (3)
- November 2017 (1)
- October 2017 (1)
- September 2017 (1)
- July 2017 (1)
- June 2017 (1)
- May 2017 (2)
- April 2017 (1)
- March 2017 (1)
- February 2017 (1)
- January 2017 (1)
- December 2016 (1)
- November 2016 (1)
- October 2016 (1)
- September 2016 (1)
- August 2016 (1)
- July 2016 (1)
- June 2016 (1)
- May 2016 (1)
- April 2016 (1)
- March 2016 (1)
- February 2016 (1)
- January 2016 (1)
- December 2015 (1)
- November 2015 (1)
- October 2015 (1)
- September 2015 (1)
- August 2015 (1)
- July 2015 (1)
- June 2015 (1)
- May 2015 (1)
- April 2015 (1)
- February 2015 (1)
- January 2015 (1)
- December 2014 (1)
- November 2014 (1)
- October 2014 (1)
- September 2014 (1)
- August 2014 (1)
- July 2014 (1)
- May 2014 (1)
- April 2014 (1)
- January 2014 (1)
- November 2013 (1)