Taking care of your hearing health with regular hearing tests is more than just staying on top of hearing loss. Our sense of hearing is a critical part of our ability to communicate with others and, therefore, a critical part of our sense of social connection.
Social Connection and Why It Matters
You’re probably familiar with humans’ basic needs: food, water and shelter, for example. Did you know that studies show that social connection is just as important to our health and well-being as any other basic need? A healthy sense of social connection is correlated with increased longevity, disease prevention, lower blood sugar and overall mental health.
Untreated Hearing Loss and Social Isolation
People with untreated hearing loss tend to experience higher rates of social isolation, the opposite of social connection. When hearing loss makes one regularly feel embarrassed, frustrated or confused in social settings, they are then less likely to participate, leading them to bluff or disengage when socializing and decline invitations much more often.
This behavior has wide-ranging effects. Disengaging in this manner leads to higher rates of depression and anxiety, diminished work performance, decreased personal independence and higher levels of stress.
How Regular Hearing Tests Help
The first step in treating hearing loss is a hearing test and a formal diagnosis of hearing loss. If you suspect you have hearing loss, it’s a good idea to get your hearing tested and stay ahead of the ripple effects of untreated hearing loss described above. Even if you don’t believe you have symptoms, you should still get tested regularly; hearing loss often comes on gradually, and you may not notice it at first.
How Often?
We follow the World Health Organization (WHO)’s recommendations on the frequency of hearing tests: test every five years for adults aged 50–64, and every one to three years for adults over the age of 65.
Get Started Today
Ready to take action on your hearing health and make a positive step for your sense of social connection? Call us at San Diego Hearing Center to schedule a hearing test today.