Don’t want your hearing checked? 6 Reasons you’ll probably regret it

40% of Canadians between the ages of 20 and 79 have some hearing loss. And many more may not even be aware of just how serious their hearing loss is. That’s scary. For some people the thought of having a hearing test falls into the too hard, don’t want to know basket. But by not having your hearing tested you run the risk of severe damage to your long-term health and well-being.

Here are six risks you face when you don’t want your hearing checked.

Risk no. 1: Dementia and mental decline

The links between hearing loss and dementia are just too strong to ignore. Research shows that people with hearing loss are two to five times more likely to develop dementia compared to people with fully functioning hearing.

New research highlights the way that the brains of older people with hearing loss shrink much more rapidly. But the good news is that having your hearing tested and using hearing aids can definitely help reduce the impacts of these age-related changes.

Risk no. 2: Decline in overall health

When you put off having a hearing test you also put your physical health at risk. Research shows that workers with hearing loss need to take four to five times more sick leave.

Then there is the extra stress and tiredness that comes with struggling to understand everyday conversations.

Studies also indicate a strong correlation between hearing loss and cardio-vascular disease. In other words a hearing test can help uncover serious underlying health issues that need to be sorted.

Risk no. 3: Dicing with diabetes

Did you know that diabetics are twice as likely to suffer from hearing loss as non-diabetics? It’s probably something to do with the fluctuating blood sugar levels leading to nerve damage. A hearing test may indicate health issues that can be investigated further.

Risk no. 4: More frequent falls

Refusing to get your ears checked out could see you heading for a fall. You probably know that hearing plays a critical role in maintaining your balance. In fact, untreated mild hearing loss can make you three times more likely to suffer a dangerous fall. And the risk increases with every decibel of hearing loss.

Having your hearing checked and using appropriate hearing aids where necessary can help restore your sense of balance and reduce your chances of a fall.

Risk no. 5: Reduced income

Ignoring the need for a hearing test could cost you money. It’s a fact; people with hearing loss earn around $30,000 less than those with normal hearing. People with hearing loss are also twice as likely to struggle to find employment.

Fortunately, when you get your hearing tested and use the recommended hearing aids these negative risks to your income are almost completely canceled out.

Risk no. 6: Damage to your relationships

Maybe you don’t value your hearing but do you value your relationships? Untested and untreated hearing loss can have a devastating impact on your relationships with friends and family. Hearing loss in children also interferes with their normal language and social development.

And hearing loss is linked to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, social isolation, frustration, grief, and bitterness.

Nobody wants hearing loss but modern hearing aids can make your life so much easier.

Not getting your hearing checked out is your choice but are the risks really worth it?