Anyone with hearing loss understands the frustrations that come along with it: needing to ask people to repeat themselves, having difficulties talking on the phone and turning up the volume on the TV louder than is comfortable for others. But hearing loss doesn’t just affect the person who has it; their loved ones are also impacted in a variety of ways. Treating hearing loss with hearing aids is proven to improve your overall quality of your life, starting with your relationships.
Improved Relationships
Communication is key to any healthy relationship. When you can’t hear well, it’s difficult to understand your partner, and this may lead to less or poorer quality conversation.
People who don’t treat their hearing loss tend to be more depressed and anxious and may withdraw socially, meaning fewer dates and outings with their partners.
In addition, when you don’t treat your hearing loss, your partner will often take on a bulk of the social responsibilities, including answering the doorbell, making phone calls and scheduling appointments. Over time, this could lead to resentment.
Conversely, hearing aids are shown to improve communication and instill a sense of confidence, combatting irritability and feelings of loneliness.
Improved Cognition
Johns Hopkins University has published a number of studies on the link between hearing loss and cognitive ability. When you have hearing loss, your brain has to overcompensate in other areas to make up the sensory deficit. This ultimately leads to impaired memory and difficulty concentrating.
The Johns Hopkins studies found that those with mild untreated hearing loss are twice as likely to develop dementia as those with normal hearing, and people with severe hearing loss are five times likelier to experience cognitive decline.
Fortunately, wearing hearing aids can lessen this cognitive load, decreasing your risk of developing cognitive decline.
Overcoming the Stigma of Hearing Aids
One of the biggest barriers people experience when it comes to deciding to treat their hearing loss is the stigma associated with hearing aids. People may feel that the devices will be big and clunky, or that wearing them will make them appear “old.”
But the hearing devices of today are smaller and sleeker than ever, with a variety of color and size options available; some models of hearing devices are completely invisible! Besides, a hearing device in one’s ear is far less noticeable than asking everyone to please repeat themselves.
For more information about hearing loss treatments or to schedule an appointment, call Arizona Desert ENT Specialists today!
