Although more than 30 million Americans are living with hearing loss, less than 20 percent of them are being treated with hearing aids or cochlear implants. Although abstaining from treatment for hearing conditions, there are many understandable reasons why people might choose not to pursue treatment.
In the early stages of their condition, they may not notice their hearing issues, or they may not feel the problem is severe enough to warrant treatment. They may have difficulty accepting that there is an issue at all. They might also be concerned that wearing a hearing aid will be uncomfortable, or that it will affect the way others see them.
No matter what reasons you may have for delaying treatment for hearing loss, the team at Fairway Hearing Center is here to tell you that you can significantly improve your quality of life by speaking to a hearing specialist. Contact Fairway Hearing to handle your hearing loss in Selbyville.
Improve Your Relationships with Other People
When you are living with hearing loss, your interpersonal relationships can suffer. You may have trouble hearing your spouse or significant other, leading to frustration and arguments. You may be unable to participate in activities with your friends, family, and colleagues. You may become withdrawn because you have trouble connecting with others when you can’t understand what they’re saying to you.
When you treat your hearing loss, you will be able to hear conversations with greatly improved clarity, allowing you to be more present in all social situations. Your friends and loved ones are certain to notice the difference too!
Improved Cognition
Hearing has two components: the ears, which receive information, and the brain, which processes it. When the brain stops receiving as much information from the ears, it will often restructure itself to become less reliant on that information. In this process, researchers have identified a link between brain restructuring and cognitive decline that can speed up the onset of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
The sooner you start treating your hearing loss, the less it will impact the structure of your brain. With improved cognition, you will have more success in all aspects of your life, including at work and in your social life.
Better Overall Well-Being
As we mentioned, losing your hearing can lead to you feeling cut off from the world and the people around you. Many people living with hearing loss report feelings of loneliness and isolation due to their inability to connect with other people in the same way they used to.
Some people also begin to feel ashamed when they recognize the frustration their loved ones experience when trying to communicate with them. All these feelings can come together to cause depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Speaking to a hearing specialist is your first step to alleviating your hearing difficulties, which has been shown to create positive results in relieving depression.
Safety
Because people living with hearing loss have decreased awareness of their surroundings, they are also at increased risk of injury from a range of causes. For example, a person with hearing loss might be unable to hear a car approaching as they cross the street, or they might not hear an object falling towards them from a high shelf.
Hearing impairment can also affect balance, leading to an increased risk of falls that can cause serious injuries, especially for older people. By treating your hearing loss, you can reduce your risk of injuries significantly, no matter your age.
Conclusion
Suffering from hearing loss in Ocean Pines? Addressing hearing loss isn’t just about improving how well you hear—it’s about improving how well you live. From strengthening relationships and protecting brain health to boosting emotional well-being and ensuring your safety, the benefits of treatment extend far beyond your ears.
If you suspect you’re experiencing hearing loss, taking action now can help you stay connected, confident, and engaged in every part of your life.