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The New Year is here and with it, we ring in a new decade! We are a year older and a year wiser. What does this New Year hold for you? If you are making any resolutions for this New Year it is important to remember that your hearing should be among these priorities. It is normal for people to deal with hearing loss as they age. Age-related hearing loss (or presbycusis) is the gradual loss of hearing in both ears and it’s a common problem linked to aging. One in 3 adults over age 65 has hearing loss. Because of the gradual change in hearing, some people are not aware of the change at first.
If left untreated, hearing loss can have other negative social and health impacts in both adults and children that go beyond the hearing impairment itself and include reduced quality of life and well-being. Potential health impacts from hearing loss can include headaches, muscle tension, and increased stress and blood pressure levels. Some studies have linked untreated hearing loss in adults to depression, fatigue, social withdrawal and impaired memory.
Hearing aids are primarily useful in improving the hearing and speech comprehension of people who have hearing loss that results from damage to the small sensory cells in the inner ear, called hair cells. This type of hearing loss is called sensorineural hearing loss. Hearing aids are the most common and effective treatment for hearing loss. Got hearing loss but don’t want to wear hearing aids? Today’s hearing aids have a lot more upside than just looking significantly more stylish than their predecessors. There are more benefits to hearing aids than you can afford to ignore.
Don’t be another statistic when it comes to hearing loss and relationship problems. Statistics show that many people who need hearing aids don’t wear them. A study from ASHA Leader revealed that 35% of participants with hearing loss said that their relationship with their significant other suffered the most out of all relationships. Yet, only 1 in 4 who should wear hearing aids actually do.
When you start using hearing aids, social situations that once seemed difficult will transform back to the engaging interactions they once were. So many people with hearing loss avoid social situations because it might be hard to hear.
One of the ways that hearing loss causes problems in relationships is because you end up relying on your loved one to be your translator. Hearing aids remove that burden and restore your independence and your relationship dynamic again. That goes a long way towards relieving frustrations that could be plaguing your relationship.
This is probably the number one reason to wear hearing aids if you need them. Rather than asking “what” all the time or having misunderstandings due to hearing difficulties, you can work on your communication skills. Communication can be challenge for any couple, don’t let hearing loss get in the way.
You may notice when you become used to wearing hearing aids regularly that you can hear sounds you became used to not hearing. The sounds of chirping birds or the sound of the rain will become audible again. You can enjoy your favorite music again. Cutting edge hearing aid technology has geared certain hearing aids to hear all the nuance of music you may have gotten used to missing. An added bonus for your loved ones is that you can watch TV without blasting the volume. Wireless hearing aids can stream sound directly from your TV to your hearing aids. You control the volume. No one else has to hear it if you don’t want them to.
Make 2020 the year that you have your hearing tested! Contact us at State Hearing and Audiology to set up a hearing test today. We can help you find the best hearing aids for your needs and set you up for a fresh start in the New Year!
