If you have been having trouble hearing the people in your life and it’s becoming more and more of a problem, it is important to address it as soon as possible. All too often people spend years in denial that their hearing loss is real or that it’s a problem. The truth is that hearing loss is more than just an issue with your ears but affects important communication, which is key to a higher quality of life, especially as we age. 1 in three seniors over 65 and half of those over 75 have age-related hearing loss which affects so many aspects of living a healthy and happy life.
Treatment for Hearing Loss
While age-related hearing loss and many other common causes of hearing loss are often irreversible the good news is that this condition can be effectively treated. The most common treatment for hearing loss are hearing aids which amplify the sounds around us which may be a challenge otherwise. The benefits contribute to a much higher quality of life in many facets. However, it takes people on average 7 to ten years to treat their hearing loss and many health and quality of life complications can develop. Recognizing a hearing loss or monitoring it annually before it has a chance to become a bigger issue can help you to be present and engaged in the moments of your life with amplified hearing.
The Social Benefits of Treating Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a communication issue, making it difficult to have casual and stress-free conversations with your significant other, your family, friends and even co-workers. Over time as constant miscommunications build-up, the people in your life can become frustrated with having to repeat themselves or you consistently missing key information that was spoken about. Not only does it cause strain on your relationships, but untreated hearing loss makes it exhausting to listen and converse. If you are someone who loves to spend time with friends and be around people, then untreated hearing loss can make a huge impact on this enjoyment. All too often people with untreated hearing loss begin to opt-out of social situations with friends and loved ones because of the stress and exhaustion associated with not being able to hear clearly.
The Benefits to Cognitive Health
The strain and exhaustion which comes with listening when your hearing is impaired can have irreversible effects on cognitive health. Studies have found that even a mild hearing loss when untreated can begin to affect the speed and dexterity of the brain. Previously thought to be a condition that primarily affected the elderly, hearing loss is alarming for a younger generation which may be more prone to hearing loss earlier due to noise exposure from an ever increasingly toxic world of excessive sound.
While hearing occurs in the ears, understanding the sounds happens in the brain. When someone struggles to hear certain parts of conversation, the brain has to work overtime to fill in the missing gaps. This can lead to listening fatigue and the brain pooling from other areas to compensate, which can cause cognitive decline over years on non-treatment. If this continues to be unaddressed many studies have found that hearing loss can increase the risk of dementia significantly.
The Emotional Benefits of Treating Hearing Loss
Another aspect of untreated hearing loss contributing to the likeliness of dementia is that when people self-isolate due to hearing loss their brain isn’t stimulated enough. This can also contribute to many emotional consequences. Strains on relationships ultimately build to a lack of self-confidence in many who struggle with hearing impairments over time. It is all too common for those who ignore this condition to become chronically anxious, depressed and struggle with insomnia.
Dealing with Your Hearing Loss Now
The good news is that you do not have to let it get to this point! With hearing aids, you can lower the risk of cognitive decline, connect to the people in your life and improve your self-confidence. The sooner you catch a hearing loss, the more of a chance you have of avoiding some of the devastating side effects of this condition. No matter your age, it’s a good idea to have your hearing checked regularly and take action if a hearing loss is suspected or detected. The sooner you deal with hearing loss the sooner you can get back to enjoying the life you love.