Hearing loss is a common condition, affecting approximately 48 million Americans. Yet despite its prevalence, only about one in five people who could benefit from treatment actually wears hearing aids. If you’re one of the four who doesn’t, we’ve compiled a list of three benefits of wearing hearing aids that may help you change your mind.
1. Hearing Aids Help Prevent Depression
There’s a lot of research that shows untreated hearing loss puts you at higher risk of depression.
- A 2014 study found that 11.4% of adults with hearing impairment experience moderate to severe depressive symptoms, and 19.1% experience mild depressive symptoms.
- Older adults are at an even higher risk. About 20% of seniors with hearing loss have symptoms of depression, according to a 2019 study.
Hearing aids keep you connected to those you love and help prevent social withdrawal, a well-known risk factor for depression.
2. Hearing Aids Help You Enjoy Your Favorite Movies
We hear from patients all the time that the reason they came in for a hearing test is because their loved ones complain they turn up the TV too loud. Many of today’s hearing aids can connect to TVs via Bluetooth or a TV streamer, so audio can be directed straight to your hearing aids.
They’re also compatible with induction loop systems in movie theaters, so you can watch the latest release at Estrella Falls 16 without missing a thing.
3. Hearing Aids Make Using Your Phone Easier
Talking on the phone is another notoriously difficult listening situation for those with hearing loss. But if you wear hearing aids with Bluetooth technology, your hearing aids can act as a wireless headset, meaning calls can be streamed directly to your ears and answered hands-free.
Not only is talking on the phone easier, but so is listening to your favorite music and podcasts. Many of today’s hearing aids allow you to stream all audio to your devices.
Most major hearing aid manufacturers have apps that allow you to control your settings and even contact your audiologist all from your smartphone.
For more information about the benefits of hearing aids or to schedule an appointment with an expert audiologist, call Arizona Desert ENT Specialists today.
