Today’s hearing fact probably isn’t something that comes to mind when you think about hearing loss. But — if you do think about it — makes a lot of sense.

It’s also potentially much more consequential than, say, missing a punchline in your favorite sitcom or your name being called when your Starbucks mocha is ready.

According to Reuters and the National Institute on Aging, untreated hearing loss can result in trouble understanding a doctor’s advice. That’s no good.

Mishearing a doctor’s orders could result in not knowing when or how to take medications properly, skipping prescribed therapy or doing that therapy incorrectly, or not being clear about explanations, side effects or warning signs when discharged from a hospital. That last one also partly explains why health care costs are higher, too, because your odds of being readmitted increase.

It’s one more reason why ignoring hearing loss isn’t worth it.

If hearing loss is making life more challenging or less fun, now is the time to do something about it. It’s easier than you think. Schedule an appointment today for a hearing consultation.