If you’re exhibiting symptoms of hearing loss, chances are your loved ones have suggested you get a hearing test. They may complain about how loud the TV is when you’re watching or that they are tired of repeating themselves. But there are other reasons to stop ignoring your hearing loss besides your family’s grievances.
1. Physical Safety
Research shows that people with hearing loss are much more likely to experience a fall, putting their physical safety at risk. In fact, Johns Hopkins found that people with hearing loss are three times more likely to experience a fall than those without. In addition, not being able to hear what’s going on in your surroundings will cause you to miss important warning signals like car horns, smoke detectors and cries of distress.
Wearing hearing aids will improve your awareness of your surroundings, making you less susceptible to injury.
2. Mental Health
A number of studies have linked untreated hearing loss to depression, anxiety, memory problems, brain shrinkage and cognitive decline. In fact, one study by Johns Hopkins found that people with untreated hearing loss experience cognitive decline at rates 30-40 percent faster than those with normal hearing.
Fortunately, a 2015 study found that wearing hearing aids reduces risk of cognitive decline, especially when treatment starts before structural changes in the brain occur.
3. Income & Career
A study by the Better Hearing Institute found that people with untreated hearing loss lose up to $30,000 of annual income and are twice as likely to be unemployed compared to normal-hearing colleagues.
The same study concluded that wearing hearing aids reduces this income loss by 90-100 percent, and that most hearing aid wearers reported improved job performance after seeking treatment for their hearing loss.
4. Relationships
Many people report that their relationships suffer most because of their hearing loss. Not being able to hear well may cause you to socially withdraw and not participate in social activities you once enjoyed. In addition, difficulty hearing means poorer communication with those who are most important to you.
Wearing hearing aids has been shown to improve relationships and get people back into hobbies they once loved.
If you want to see improvement in your physicial and mental health, career and personal relationships, schedule an appointment with your local audiologist. Call Arizona Hearing Specialists today!