The New Year is a great time to set and prioritize health goals! Hearing health is integral to overall health and wellness but did you know that hearing loss is one of the most common conditions people experience today? Nearly 1 in 6 people have some degree of impaired hearing which affects an estimated 48 million people. This chronic medical condition not only strains hearing but also communication which takes a toll on all aspects of life: relationships, work, social interaction, and health. Intervening early and addressing hearing loss can be transformational by offering countless benefits that enhance the quality of daily life!
Symptoms & Impact of Untreated Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a permanent health condition that is characterized by reduced capacity to detect and process sound. This creates a range of symptoms that makes it difficult to hear and navigate communication. Common symptoms include:
- Tinnitus: commonly referred to as “ringing in the ears” is a ringing, buzzing, or clicking like noise that is heard in one or both ears.
- Increasing the volume on electronic devices (TV, phone, speaker, etc.)
- Asking others to repeat something they said or speak louder
- Words sound slurred or muffled
- Difficulty making out individual words, lip-reading to help identify words
- Missing parts of a conversation
- Experiencing a hard time hearing in environments with background noise
These symptoms can be mild to more severe depending on the degree of hearing loss present in each ear. Conversations become difficult to engage in and miscommunication can be frequent. Strained communication can lead to people taking a step back from social interaction altogether.
Social withdrawal is a common effect of untreated hearing loss which results in spending less time with family, friends, engaging in hobbies, etc. Untreated hearing loss can also strain relationships as it chips away at communication - a crucial ingredient for sustaining health connections with others. Strained communication, social withdrawal, and tense relationships can also take a toll on mental health, contributing to isolation and depression.
Benefits of Treating Hearing Loss
Addressing hearing loss eases symptoms, alleviating the cumulative toll it takes on daily life. Fortunately, there are effective treatment options that offer life-changing benefits. Major benefits include the following:
1. Strengthens communication. The most common treatment for hearing loss is hearing aids. These are savvy electronic devices that are designed to absorb, amplify, and process sound. This provides significant support, making it easier to hear and understand sound. Hearing aids alleviate symptoms that maximize hearing capacity. People are better able to participate and navigate conversations, facilitating effective communication.
2. Supports an active social life. Being able to hear and readily engage with others with ease also enriches social life. Hearing aids support hearing in all types of environments, including social settings and spaces with background noise. People can fully participate in social activities, spend time with others, and carry conversations with ease and more energy.
3. Improves relationships. Communication is key for cultivating and sustaining relationships. Hearing aids create a greater capacity for hearing and communication by providing ample support. Strengthened communication makes it possible for people to spend quality time together as well as share the intimacy of conversations. Being able to hear jokes, have an engaging conversation, hear and readily respond to others are important ways of connecting.
4. Enhances overall health. Treating hearing loss reduces the risk of developing other health conditions that are connected to impaired hearing. This includes cognitive decline, depression, and experiencing accidental injuries (from falling). Additionally, hearing aids strengthen cognitive capacities, enhancing brain health. The benefits of treating hearing loss also boost a sense of independence, confidence, and happiness which improves mental health.
Take Steps to Address Hearing Loss Today!
Treating hearing loss involves a simple process that starts by having your hearing assessed by a hearing healthcare specialist. Hearing tests involve a painless process that measures your hearing capacity in both ears. Once your hearing needs are established, your provider can recommend treatment options that meet those needs and transform your hearing health. Start the new year by prioritizing your hearing health. You can do this today by calling us at Hart Hearing and Balance Centers to schedule an appointment for a hearing consultation!