Treating hearing loss is a major investment in your overall health and wellness. Impacting nearly 1 in 6 people, hearing loss is one of the most common medical conditions that people navigate today. Though it is a pervasive health concern, hearing loss is often under treated which produces multifaceted effects that can take a toll on daily life. Untreated hearing loss strains communication which can adversely impact relationships, social life, work performance, and health. Acknowledging that you are experiencing changes to your health and intervening as early as you can to treat hearing loss offers countless benefits. Treating hearing loss can transform your health and quality of life in numerous ways. Major Benefits of Treating Hearing Loss
Communication is essential to relationships and navigating daily life. Untreated hearing loss reduces the capacity to perceive and process sound which produces a range of symptoms. These symptoms – tinnitus (a buzzing or ringing sound in the ears), distortion of sound, word blending, etc. – make it challenging to hear and engage in conversation which can lead to social withdrawal, strain relationships, impact work performance, and increase health risks. Treating hearing loss alleviates these symptoms and increases capacity for hearing and communication, offering amazing benefits including:
- Intrapersonal Benefits: the most common treatment for hearing loss is hearing aids. These medical devices are equipped with technology that detects, amplifies, and processes speech as well as sound. This provides the ears and brain with significant support, making it easier to hear. Hearing aids alleviate hearing loss symptoms, maximizing hearing capacity. With hearing aids, people are better able to participate in conversations, allowing them to be more present and engaged. This strengthens communication and facilitates smooth interactions with others. Strengthened communication boosts confidence, independence, and wellness.
- Health Benefits: extensive research shows that treating hearing loss reduces numerous health risks. Untreated hearing loss is associated with several medical conditions including cognitive decline, depression, and accidental injuries. Hearing aids strengthen cognitive functions, improving brain health which reduces the risk of experiencing cognitive decline and associated conditions like Alzheimer’s. Additionally, hearing aids increase spatial awareness by creating a greater capacity to hear what is happening in one’s environment. This lowers the risk of experiencing falls and accidental injuries. Treating hearing loss can also prevent depressive symptoms by strengthening communication, the foundation for social connections and relationships.
- Social Benefits: treating hearing loss enriches social life in a few important ways. Being able to hear and communicate with greater ease supports people’s hearing in tougher listening environments. This includes spaces with background noise, social settings, and conversations with multiple people. Hearing aids help wearers move through social activities and spaces with greater support and capacity to engage. People are more able to fully participate in these conversations and activities which supports an active social life.
- Financial Benefits: over 48 million people live with hearing loss. According to the Hearing Health Foundation, 60% of people with hearing loss are in the workforce (or school). Untreated hearing loss can take a toll on work performance by straining communication and making it more challenging to balance work responsibilities. Studies show that people with untreated hearing loss can have lower earning power compared to people without hearing loss. Studies also show that people who have their hearing loss treated have the same earning power as those without an impaired hearing. The treatment creates more capacity to hear and communicate which are also essential in the workplace.
These are among the numerous benefits that treating hearing loss offers. These benefits enhance all facets of life, helping people live fuller and more satisfying lives. Prioritize Your Hearing Health Today
Fortunately, there is a wide range of services and resources available for you which makes treating hearing loss more accessible. The first step is to schedule an appointment for a hearing test which is conducted by hearing healthcare specialists. Having your hearing assessed involves a painless process that measures your hearing capacity in both ears. This identifies any impairment the degree of hearing loss you could be experiencing. Once your hearing needs are established, your hearing healthcare provider will recommend an effective treatment plan to meet those needs. Contact us today to learn more!