While it’s not as talked about, the importance of hearing aids shouldn’t be underestimated! A study by Johns Hopkins reported that 1 in five Americans age 12 and older suffer from hearing loss severe enough to impact communication.
Simply put, hearing loss is no respecter of persons and can strike at virtually any age. However, hearing loss can impact much more than your ability to hear. Let’s take a closer look at the importance of hearing aids and how treating hearing loss can improve several other areas of life.
Hearing Aids Can Help Improve Your Earning Power
The results are in: hearing aids can help improve your lifetime earning power! According to research by Better Hearing Institute, living and working with untreated hearing loss can lower your annual earnings by up to $30,000. And when those in the study took proactive steps to correct hearing loss by using hearing aids, they lowered their risk of decreased earnings by up to 90%!
The study involved surveying 2,000 people with hearing loss. Within this group, 82% reported they would suggest hearing aids to their friends and family; while 70% reported an enhanced ability to communicate. At the same time, the study found that those who used hearing aids experienced improvement in several other areas of life, such as:
- Physical health
- Romanse
- Emotional health
- Sense of humor
- Mental health
- Sense of safety
- Sense of independence
- Self confidence
- Work relationship
Reduce Tinnitus-Related Symptoms and Annoyance
Today, over 50 million Americans are impacted by tinnitus, which is an awareness of sound or noise in the ears or head that isn’t the result of an external source. While there are several different types of tinnitus sounds, some of the most common include:
- Hisses
- Whirrs
- Whistles
- Rings
- Buzzes
In some instances, tinnitus is accompanied by hearing loss. However, when you wear professionally-fit hearing aids to correct hearing loss, it can lower the annoyance associated with tinnitus. Certain hearing aids feature technology uniquely engineered to mitigate hearing loss symptoms. The use of certain hearing aids has been shown to reduce the annoyance and stress associated with tinnitus.
Slow Cognitive Decline and Reduce Dementia Risk Factor
Multiple studies have linked untreated hearing loss to a heightened risk of developing dementia as well as lowered cognitive abilities. In fact, studies conducted by John Hopkins University have consistently discovered links between hearing loss, dementia, and cognitive decline. There are three primary theories associating hearing loss and dementia:
- The cognitive load theory suggests the added load from working harder to hear sounds causes other brain processes to suffer, such as memory and thinking.
- The atrophy of the brain involves the wasting away of the tissues or organ caused by cell degradation. A study from the University of Pennsylvania discovered that hearing loss can accelerate atrophy in the brain, which can make speech more difficult.
- The third theory involves the impacts of social isolation. As someone suffers from hearing loss, they are more likely to withdraw. And several studies have made connections between a decline in cognitive abilities to loneliness.
In fact, the decline is seemingly the greatest for people who choose not to wear hearing aids. The good news is hearing aids can potentially decrease the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia as well as increase your ability to hear.
Improve Your Balance and Risk of Falling
The Centers for Disease Control reports more than 800,000 people who are over the age of 65 are hospitalized due to falls every year with an average hospital cost of $30,000. The most common injuries from trips, slips, and falls are head trauma and broken hips. Unfortunately, those who suffer from hearing loss are at a higher risk for balance disorders that can cause falls — than people who have normal hearing.
A balance disorder is a medical condition that can lead to unsteadiness or dizziness. Those suffering from balance issue can feel as if they are floating or spinning, even when sitting. In addition to difficulties moving, those with chronic balance issues commonly experience:
- Lightheadedness
- Disorientation
- Intense vertigo
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
However, a recent study conducted by the Washington School of Medicine reported that wearing hearing aids can help. People suffering from hearing loss who wore hearing aids performed better on balance tests in comparison to when they didn’t wear hearing aids. The authors of the study concluded that wearing hearing aids can bolster your ability to balance and decrease the risk of falls.
Hearing Aids Can Improve Overall Health
Did you know that when you treat your hearing loss, you’re likely to see a substantial holistic improvement in your life. Specifically, you may experience a reduction in anger, feelings of depression, and anxiety.
Contact North Shore Hearing P.C. to Experience the Importance of Hearing Aids
If you have hearing loss, the experts at North Shore Hearing P.C. can help. We offer a full catalog of cutting-edge, innovative hearing aid devices for virtually every and any lifestyle.
Contact North Shore Hearing P.C. today for a free hearing screening.
