If you are reading this, chances are you have questioned whether or not you are starting to lose your hearing…or you are the proactive person doing some of the research for someone you know needs hearing help. Either way, I applaud you taking the time to dig a bit deeper and get some answers.
Here are some quick facts about untreated hearing loss:
- Adults are more likely to develop dementia
- Cognitive ability declines 30-40% faster
- You are 3 times more likely of having a history of falling
- Significantly higher incidence of feeling isolated and depressed
- It’s hard to believe but studies show a shorter lifespan compared to peers with hearing loss that use hearing aids
- Research also indicates that hearing loss is a factor in Alzheimer’s disease…so people with hearing loss are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia than those with normal hearing
I’m not trying to scare you into getting your hearing checked (ok maybe a little…like how I tell my kids that if they sit too close to the TV it will hurt their eyes), but the studies are out there and it only makes sense for you to see you local hearing professional and simply see what’s going on with your hearing. If you have a hearing loss, it’s important that you be proactive in seeking treatment. Hearing loss can be mild, moderate, severe or profound in many aging adults and can be caused by a variety of conditions. Simply removing a blockage from the ear canal can often immediately restore hearing. There are medical treatments that can also improve or restore hearing. For those with age related loss, proper frequency amplification brings amazing results in both hearing sounds and understanding speech. Proper treatment of the cause, along with aural rehabilitation, can enhance your life by helping with lost cognitive functions (perception, thinking, reasoning and remembering).
We can’t do anything about aging, but we can make the aging process less stressful and more enjoyable. A regained sense of hearing allows us to re-engage in life. Being able to hear warning signals, understand instructions, enjoy TV and communicate with friends and family are just a few of the benefits of improved hearing. Take the difficult first step … Admit to yourself that you have trouble hearing. Then, find the right help. You’ll be glad you took action and thank yourself later!
Wow…it’s really high up here on my soapbox.