Hearing loss is the third most common physical condition in the United States, behind only arthritis and heart disease. There are 48 million people in Houston, Texas and throughout the country suffering from hearing loss; of those people, only 20 percent who can benefit from hearing aids use them.
Why? Many refuse to acknowledge that they even have a problem or are unwilling to use a device because they fear it will makes them look old. Do you think a patient with heart disease would decide that taking their medication was unnecessary because someone would judge them for being old? Of course not.
So how about this – instead of trying to convince you that no one will judge you, we will show you all the benefits that have been linked to using a hearing aid. It certainty goes far beyond simply helping you hear better.
Improved General Health
Individuals who treat their hearing loss see an improvement in their balance and experience a decrease in:
- Feelings of depression
- Anger
- Anxiety
Patients who choose to leave their hearing loss untreated are three times more likely to suffer physical injuries, especially falls. They are also at an increased risk of cognitive decline.
Improved Emotional Well-Being
Individuals who treat their hearing loss are once again able to navigate the world on their own and overcome a reliance on others, thus regaining their sense of control.
Treating your hearing loss leads to reduced periods of social isolation as well as healthier and longer-lasting relationships. These patients have also been shown to have higher self-esteem and quality of life than those who don’t.
Improved Professional Success
Untreated hearing loss leads to difficulty concentrating, especially when communicating with others. It can also lead to reduced job performance and less monetary compensation. New research suggests that untreated hearing loss leads to problems storing new information, which can make it more difficult to learn new things.
Better Hearing Institute (BHI) conducted a study that provides extensive data about how much of a difference hearing aids can make.
The study surveyed 2,000 individuals with hearing loss patients. Of those, 82 percent indicated they would recommend hearing aids to their friends, and 70 percent reported an improved ability to communicate. In addition, more than four out of five people who use an aid to hear better are satisfied with their solution.
The study also concluded patients who used a hearing aid saw improvement in their:
- Romance
- Sense of Humor
- Mental Health
- Emotional Health
- Physical Health
- Sense of Safety
- Self-Confidence
- Feelings about Self
- Sense of Independence
- Work Relationships
As you can see, treating your hearing loss goes well beyond simply improving your ability to hear. It can help you regain your life.
Don’t let untreated hearing loss get in the way of the things you once loved. Contact your Houston audiologist to start down the road toward improved hearing and a better quality of life.
