Millions of Americans suffer from some degree of hearing loss. While hearing aids could help many of them, data show only a small fraction actually use them.
The reasons why vary: Some people may be worried the hearing aids won’t fit properly or will be difficult to operate. Others may fear a large, noticeable hearing aid will make them feel self-conscious.
At ENT Specialists, in Salt Lake City, Murray, Draper, Tooele, and West Jordan, Utah, our team offers the most advanced hearing aids available, featuring comfortable, discreet designs and state-of-the-art, easy-to-use technology for patients. In this post, learn five ways hearing aids could benefit your life if you’re dealing with hearing loss.
Even a mild hearing loss can interfere with communication, making it difficult to participate in conversations, especially in noisy environments and other social settings. Hearing aids amplify sound while improving sound clarity, blocking out interference that can make speech and other sounds seem muffled. Improved communication can also have benefits for you professionally, making it easier to understand and follow through on complex instructions and participate in meetings and other events.
Listening is a huge part of socializing. When you have hearing loss, it’s a lot harder to take part in many social activities. Even something as simple as going out to dinner, seeing a movie, and attending a birthday party can make you feel awkward, out of place, and disconnected. Over time, issues with socialization can contribute to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and depression. By improving your hearing, hearing aids support a healthy sense of belonging and help you feel more connected to your friends and environment.
When you’re hard of hearing, it’s easy to miss subtle auditory cues that can help you avoid accidents and dangerous mistakes. Maintaining an awareness of hazards depends a lot on being able to hear clearly, as does following directions. Hearing aids make it easier to respond to cues in your environment, helping to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Recent research links hearing loss with an increased risk of dementia and a more rapid loss of brain function overall. In fact, one study by researchers at Johns Hopkins University found advanced hearing loss was associated with a fivefold increase in dementia risk. Improving hearing may be one proactive way to reduce your own risk of cognitive decline.
Not surprisingly, being able to socialize and engage in your environment can make life a lot more pleasant. When you hear better, you’re more aware of your surroundings, reducing your risks of falls and walking problems. Maintaining hearing helps you stay sharp as you age, enabling you to participate in life more fully and remain independent longer, all while improving your emotional well-being.
Don’t let hearing loss take a toll on your health and well-being. To learn how hearing aids could help you hear better and improve your own quality of life, book an appointment online or over the phone with the team at ENT Specialists today.
