Hearing loss is a widespread problem today, affecting people of every age group, gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic background. Hearing damage is also cumulative and irreversible, so early detection and treatment are key to preventing further loss.
Do I have hearing loss?
Your audiologist can help you take a quick, easy hearing evaluation that will let you know if you have any hearing damage. That way you can both assess the situation and know how to plan for the future.
If you find out that you do have hearing loss, your audiologist may discuss the benefits of hearing aids with you. The great thing about hearing aid technology is that it can effectively reestablish hearing to the level you are used to. When you get back your hearing, you also get back your enjoyment of entertainment, your social life, easy everyday communication, and worry-free family gatherings.
Now is Better Than Later
Research shows that adults in the US who suffer from hearing loss tend to wait an average of 7-10 years before they consider hearing aids or other options. Unfortunately for them, hearing loss is not curable or reversible, so an earlier diagnosis can preserve your hearing longer. Detecting hearing damage as early as possible is your best bet to keep your normal, active lifestyle.
Why do people wait? Well, hearing aids are often not covered by health insurance, so the out-of-pocket cost can be significant. But think of it in terms of an investment: if you invest in your health and your life now, you will most definitely see this investment was worth the money.
Hearing aids can benefit you in quite a few ways:
Overall health and improved hearing are linked.
Health conditioner such as heart disease, dementia and cognitive decline have been linked to hearing loss. From this perspective, staying on top of your hearing health can actually save your life!
Aside from the immediate health correlations, hearing damage can result in issues such as anxiety and social isolation. This stress caused by these problems can then bring about depression, loneliness and anger.
A decreased in stimulation of the brain can result in gradual cognitive decline as well. An imbalance of inner ear fluids can also cause balance issues, so falls can become a concern.
Emotional well-being and social life can benefit from hearing aids.
Miscommunication often results from hearing loss, which in turn may distress friendships and family relationships. Better communication will benefit your relationships, and better relationships prevent loneliness and isolation.
Get your social life back by improving the communication between yourself and your family and friends!
Hearing loss sufferers can also become dependent on others because we rely on our hearing for so many things. This dependence on others can result in feelings of depression and feeling out of control.
Get your hearing back and get your independence back!
Better hearing can increase professional success.
Professional success is another result of having your hearing back. If you have begun to have difficulty communicating in your work environment, your productivity may suffer, which could result in a demotion. Learning new things for your job is also very dependent on good hearing. When you think of it in terms of your livelihood, not acting now could end up costing money in the long run!!
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The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to audiology, feel free to contact Los Gatos Audiology, with a convenient hearing center located in Los Gatos, CA, by clicking here or by calling 408.703.0772.