March 3rd is World Hearing Day. Organized every year by the World Health Organization (WHO), World Hearing Day aims to raise awareness on how to prevent hearing loss and promote better hearing healthcare around the globe. This year, the theme of World Hearing Day focuses on including hearing healthcare in overall health check-ups, like at your primary care appointments.
For years, research has shown a relationship between untreated hearing loss and other health issues like diabetes, heart disease, risk of falling and, predominately, cognitive decline. On top of that, in a 2018 study, participants who wore hearing aids were less likely to have gone to the hospital or emergency room the year prior.
Better hearing can lead to better overall mental health as well. People with untreated hearing loss are more likely to experience loneliness and social isolation5. After all, hearing is an integral part of communication and connecting with others. When we hear our best, we are more alert, engaged, and independent.
Hearing loss can be caused by many things — noise, genetics, medication, or even something as simple as earwax. You’ll never know until it is evaluated by a hearing professional. Hearing should be as routine a check-up as the rest of your health and well-being; do you know what your hearing is? If not, World Hearing Day is the perfect day to find out! Visit Start Hearing* to learn more and take advantage of significant hearing aid discounts.
*Start Hearing is the preferred hearing provider for our Active population. Medicare Advantage participants get a better rate using UnitedHealthcare’s Hearing program.
