Did you know that it takes an average of 7 years for people to address their hearing loss? Furthermore, only a third of people who could actually benefit from treatment, receive it. This highlights widespread inaction when it comes to hearing loss, one of the most common health conditions people live with today.

Over 48 million people have hearing loss, a medical condition that reduces capacity to hear and process speech as well as sound. It is often tough for people to acknowledge their hearing loss which contributes to a delay in treatment. This however has multifaceted effects including straining hearing and communication, relationships, and overall health. Recognizing hearing loss symptoms and intervening early can profoundly change the trajectory of your hearing health and wellness.

Inaction on Hearing Loss

Numerous studies highlight that hearing health is often not prioritized and that hearing loss tends to be undertreated. A significant and recent study that explores this was published by the American Speech-Language-Hearing-Association (ASHA). Researchers surveyed over 2,000 adults and found that:

More than 51% of all adults reported having hearing problems, but only 11% have sought treatment.

More than 78% of those with hearing problems have experienced them for 1 or more years. Over 35% have had trouble for 5 or more years.
2 in 10 adults have had a hearing test in the past 5 years, compared with 6 in 10 who have had their vision tested.

These findings show that even when hearing loss symptoms have been experienced for a number of years, there is inaction. Untreated hearing loss not only worsens hearing impairment but also the toll it often has on relationships, social life, and health.

Identifying Early Signs

Being able to recognize early signs of hearing loss can help you acknowledge it, supporting early intervention. Common signs include:

Tinnitus: a buzzing or ringing like noise in one or both ears that only you can hear.
Sounds are muffled or distorted.
Struggling to hear in environments with background noise.
Asking others to repeat what they said, speak louder, and/or slower.
Increasing the volume on the TV or other electronic devices.
Pretending to hear to get through a conversation.
Lip reading to identify individual words.
Being able to hear more clearly out of one ear compared to the other.
Feeling drained after conversations and social interactions.

These symptoms can be mild to more profound, depending on the degree of hearing loss you are experiencing. Symptoms take a toll on hearing and communication which also impacts relationships, social life, and overall health. Extensive research shows that untreated hearing loss can increase several health risks like cognitive decline, depressive symptoms, and falls. This highlights the importance of intervening to treat hearing loss.

Benefits of Treating Hearing Loss

There are effective hearing solutions that not only transform your hearing health but your overall health and wellness. Hearing aids are the most common way hearing loss is treated. These are electronic devices that help absorb and process speech as well as sound. This provides significant benefits including :

Strengthens communication: hearing aids alleviate hearing loss symptoms by providing the ears and brain with ample support. This increases one’s capacity to hear and process sound which strengthens communication. People are better able to hear and fully participate in conversations.

Improves relationships: strengthened communication also improves relationships. Treatment supports people spending quality time with others, having quality conversations, and enjoying everyday activities with loved ones. This improves communication and connection which strengthens relationships.

Enriches social life: hearing aids provide significant support, especially in environments that are tougher to hear in – including social settings. People are better able to navigate social activities and engage in conversations which enriches social life and connection.

Boosts health: research shows that treating hearing loss decreases a number of health risks. This includes cognitive decline, depressive symptoms, and falls. Hearing aids strengthen cognitive functions, boosting brain health. They also increase spatial awareness and safety.

These benefits allow people to live active lives that they can fully participate in. Treating hearing loss enhances quality of life and overall happiness.

Prioritize Your Hearing Health Today

The first step towards treatment is simple: schedule an appointment for hearing installation. Contact us today to learn more about hearing consultants and to get your appointment scheduled!

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