The probability of having to deal with hearing loss goes up as we age. Some degree of hearing loss is already affecting millions of individuals. But commonly, seven years or more go by after the first symptoms show up before individuals get assistance.
Many older adults decide to ignore their hearing loss, which can negatively impact their social lives. Retreating from social situations because it’s hard to communicate and continuously asking people to repeat what they said are typical warning signs.
Obviously, hearing is crucial. We’re strengthened by our ability to hear. With it, we can go out with friends, go to work, and communicate with people we love. It also helps us stay involved in the outside world and keeps us safe. Our hearing even helps us relax. Sadly, we often take it for granted that we’ll always be able to hear.
So when your hearing declines, and if you’re like most people, it will, you’ll feel it physically and emotionally. Your total quality of life will be effected. Hearing loss can even bring on feelings of separation.
This is why recognizing early warning signs and getting assistance to find possible treatment options is crucial. Fortunately, most forms of hearing loss are treatable. If you are suffering from hearing loss and are distressed about missing essential discussions, you should contact a hearing professional in your area immediately. Doing so will help you figure out if your form and degree of hearing loss can be effectively managed with hearing aids.
Studies show that using a hearing aid can, for those suffering from age-related hearing loss, help lower the chances of social isolation by making communication in social situations easier. Hearing aids make it easier for older adults to continue their regular activities and interact socially with friends, family members, and the other individuals with whom they communicate each day.
Based on studies conducted at Johns Hopkins University, hearing loss has been connected with numerous health issues from mental acuity, loss of memory, depression, as well as a greater risk of getting Alzheimer’s. Managing hearing conditions helps to avoid these health problems.
Communication is an essential part of personal relationships, especially with friends and family members. Hearing loss can lead to miscommunication, frustration, and estrangement between friends and family members.
Hearing loss also creates safety concerns. Using hearing aids will help you feel confident that you will be capable of responding to important sounds and warnings that appear in your daily life, such as alarms, sirens, cell phones, oven timers, doorbells, car alarms, and horns, and other traffic sounds that indicate on-coming vehicles.
Hearing impairment can have an adverse effect on your income. If you are experiencing hearing loss and are a member of the labor force, it can lead to frustration, overlooked details, and ultimately reduce your ability to earn. The use of hearing aids can help.
Family members can be helpful to an older adult with hearing impairment, but it’s also important that the individual with hearing loss takes the first step. If hearing loss is a problem for you, it’s time to return to hearing all of those relevant sounds in your life by taking a hearing exam and committing to treatment (like wearing your hearing aid daily). Ultimately, it’s important to recognize that you aren’t alone. You can prevent feeling separated and go back to socializing with your loved ones with a little assistance from a hearing specialist, hearing aids, and your friends and family.
