Approximately 8.5% of adults aged 55 to 64 have disabling hearing loss. The rate increases to 50% by the age of 75 and over. Many of the side effects of hearing loss can adversely affect your life. Adverse effects common in many cases of hearing loss include poor understanding of speech sounds, decreased background awareness, tinnitus symptoms and feelings of isolation.
Deciding to treat your loss with hearing aids can feel like a big leap. It is not uncommon to feel unsure about starting your treatment. In fact, it takes people with hearing loss an average of seven years to seek treatment.
Many people fear that getting hearing aids will make them feel old or dependent. Hearing aids can restore a sense of independence and confidence, leading to a life of open and stress-free communication. Let’s look at how hearing aids can help you stay independent and confident for longer.
Hearing Aids Improves Your Safety
Hearing aids make it easier to hear auditory warning signals. This doesn’t just include fire and burglary alarms but everyday safety information. Hearing a knock at your door, a dog barking or someone yelling “COMING ABOUT” when sailing out of Safe Harbor are all important bits of safety information you don’t want to miss. Hearing aids will amplify speech sounds and essential background information to help you stay confident in your safety.
Hearing Aids Improves Communication
Access to clear communication is one of the most important benefits of hearing aids. Clear communication makes you feel confident to move about the world independently without worrying about missing significant bits of information.
Hearing Aids Activate Your Brain
The brain is a muscle. Like any other muscle in your body, it requires exercise for strength and functioning. A study on auditory deprivation found that lack of stimulation to the auditory center led to a “weakening or loss of the ability to process auditory information in the central auditory system.” Hearing aids can help your brain stay active by providing necessary audiological stimulation.
By sending accurate sound information to the auditory center, you keep your brain in tip-top shape, leading to prolonged and increased independence.
Improving your safety and communication and keeping your brain active are just a couple of ways hearing aids can help you maintain independence. For more information on the benefits of hearing aids, contact Charleston ENT & Allergy today to make an appointment with one of our trusted specialists.