Hearing loss affects over 30 million people in the United States today, making it one of the most prevalent conditions in the nation. However, many people with hearing loss may feel embarrassed about their condition or might not even realize it exists.
This may be because many people associate hearing loss with getting older and the elderly. But 65% of people who have some kind of hearing loss are younger than 65. Also, as many as 1 in 5 Americans age 12 and older have hearing losses that impair their communication abilities.
One major problem with identifying hearing loss is that the brunt of the responsibility for finding out about the affliction lies with the patient. Most primary care physicians will not check your hearing regularly, so it is up to you to remain vigilant and to get tested constantly.
Benefits of Hearing Aids
In the past, many people have expressed concerned about purchasing or wearing hearing aids. A combination of cost and apprehension of social stigmas related to hearing aids have prevented many from seeking the treatment they require.
But modern hearing aids are different from those in the past. Many kinds of hearing aids are available in different price ranges, and the technology has greatly improved.
One major benefit for hearing aids is to help those who also have tinnitus. Because most people who suffer from tinnitus also suffer from hearing loss, hearing aids can reduce the tinnitus symptoms. Also, there are now hearing aids designed specifically for people who suffer from tinnitus. Hearing aids combined with tinnitus retraining therapy can work wonders.
It has also been proven that wearing hearing aids can increase your income. According to the Better Hearing Institute research, treating your hearing loss reduced drops in income between 77% and 90%, depending on the severity of the hearing loss.
Another important factor to consider is that if you let hearing loss goes untreated, it can damage your brain. Numerous research has shown a link between dementia and untreated hearing loss. Untreated hearing loss can cause atrophy in the part of your brain that allows you to hear. Research shows that hearing aids help slow this effect of hearing loss.
Hearing aids also improve your mental health and prevent depression. Multiple studies have shown a correlation between hearing loss and depression. Those who have difficulty following discussions usually start to isolate themselves and avoid activities and time with friends. Having hearing aids can help you hear what other around you are saying, and thus get your life back.
Getting Your Life Back
Hearing loss can be frustrating for you and your loved ones. Untreated hearing loss damages relationships because of a general lack of communication between you and those your care about. With hearing aids, you can hear what people are saying and accurately interpret whether they’re happy, sad, or even angry. That means your communication is improved, thus improving your relationships.
When you can’t hear your surroundings, you become nervous and unsure, even paranoid. You may find yourself staying in, isolated from the world. Those with severe hearing loss may even have trouble driving. Usually this leads to the hearing impaired relying on others to help with their daily lives.
But when you install a hearing aid, you gain greater independence and the confidence to do more for yourself!
One of the benefits of hearing aids is that these seemingly mundane sounds will suddenly resurface. Simple activities, such as walking in nature, can introduce entirely new sounds and feelings, whether it’s the crunching of leaves below your feet, wind whistling, or the sound of thunder. Wearing hearing aids will improve quality of life by creating an opportunity to slow down and truly listen to the world around you with new appreciation.
When you aren’t aggravated by your hearing loss, you have more earning power, are happier, more independent, understand everything being said, and have healthy relationships. This all goes toward improving your general quality of life.
How to Get Your Life Back
The first step towards getting on track for healthy hearing is to consult a professional. If you believe you may be experiencing hearing loss, it is important to contact an audiologist or hearing professional immediately.
An important step to understanding your condition is to receive the proper education about your condition. At Hearing Associates of Las Vegas, we pride ourselves on not only treating hearing ailments but educating those with these conditions to help them understand what they are going through.
Losing your hearing can be a frightening experience. We aim to guide you through this experience, offering advice and consultation through our team of hearing specialists that have helped hundreds regain their lives and relationships back.
Through our tinnitus retraining therapy, we will help you improve your hearing through a series of steps aimed at conditioning and using the help of our advanced hearing aid technology. If you are interested in our services, give us a call or stop by our offices for a consultation.
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