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The new year is a time to start again. No matter how your last year has been, everyone is looking to make this year the best one yet. One common step in doing so is to set a new year’s resolutions. These are often easy to make, but commonly fade with the arrival of the spring flowers.
Why you need to test your hearing this year
Although more than 30 million Americans encounter some level of hearing loss. Based on figures from the National Institute of Health, less than one-third of those with the condition have ever used hearing aids.
One explanation for this phenomenon is that many people refuse to get their hearing tested or acknowledge they have an issue. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association advises having your hearing tested every three years if you are older than 50 years. That’s why this year you should make your hearing health center stage, and the first step is arranging a hearing test with us here at Blue Wave Hearing Centers.
Hearing treatment can help you achieve your goals this year
Many of us begin the year with a list of virtuous goals. But keeping these and other longstanding resolutions can prove problematic for those who are also struggling with hearing loss. Treating your hearing loss however, can help you fulfil any new years’ resolution you may have. Here are some common resolutions, and how treatment with hearing aids could help you achieve them.
1. Get more exercise
This is the most common goal, and it shows in the popularity of your neighborhood gym after the holidays. Whether you are into yoga or running, hearing aids help you perform better by improving your balance and spatial awareness.
A study by the Washington University School of Medicine founds that our hearing ability has a big impact on our ability to maintain our balance and spatial awareness. In their research, the performance of participants increased when using their hearing aids. They were able to recognize landmarks, were more alert to their surroundings and were able to balance on a foam pad for longer. Their balance was also increased when walking, moving around, and sitting up. They were also less likely to get lightheaded or disoriented, and were less likely to get injured.
2. Get a new job
Approximately 15 per cent of American workers are looking to move companies this year. If this is your goal, treating your hearing loss can help you get there faster.
Hearing loss can lead to a lower income and a higher incidence of unemployment in those with untreated hearing loss, according to a report by the Better Hearing Institute. But there is a silver lining -the same study found that unemployment among users with hearing aids is at the same level as those with regular hearing. In fact, the earning potential of hearing aid users was almost as high as that of people with no hearing loss.
3. Connect more with family and friends
Although they may have spent the whole holiday period with them, about 13 percent of Americans pledge to support their loved ones and visit them more often in the new year.
The ability to communicate is a key element of any successful relationship, and the ability to comprehend the words of others is itself a key element of communication. That’s why good hearing is so important to helping you connect more this year.
Studies have shown that hearing aids can dramatically raise the quality of relationships with others in three ways:
- Improved one-on-one conversations
- Increased bonding over shared activities
- A better chance of connecting deeply with long-distance family members over phone and video chat
Learn something new
New Year’s resolutions often refer to losing things, whether it be extra weight, debt or emotional baggage. But others are more positive and are about acquire something, like a specific skill or hobby. Treating your hearing loss could help improve your ability to learn.
Hearing aids enhance brain function in those with hearing loss, according to a recent study by researchers at The University of Texas. After the use of hearing aids, participants with untreated hearing loss showed an improvement in their percentage scores in working memory and selective attention tests, as well as an increase in how fast they chose the correct answer. After the two weeks of hearing aid use had passed, the participants had shown a substantial improvement in their cognitive functioning.
Blue Wave Hearing Centers
To increase your chances of having a great year, if you think you have untreated hearing loss, make an appointment with us today!