Individuals often believe hearing loss is only a problem for the elderly. Approximately 48 million individuals in the United States currently struggle with this problem, and two-thirds have yet to reach 65. Millions of individuals between the ages of 12 and 19 have hearing loss in one or both ears. They used personal audio devices at unsafe levels and visited venues with excessive noise. A person should never assume hearing loss is a natural part of aging. For most people, it is a result of lifestyle choices made when they were younger.
Hearing Loss and Overall Health
Every person should look into testing for hearing loss because the loss impacts their overall health. Individuals with hearing loss are more at risk of social isolation and depression. As a person ages, hearing loss is closely related to dementia, cognitive decline, and falls. Researchers believe this may be due to the increased cognitive load on the brain. The brain expends energy to hear what is being said, which takes resources away from other functions. Treating hearing loss can prevent or reverse these conditions for many.
Processing Sounds
A person won’t hear clearly when they put hearing aids in. The brain must adjust to the sounds. In addition, the assistive devices must be programmed to meet the wearer’s needs, much like glasses must be made to their prescription. A person might need to see their audiologist multiple times to fine-tune the devices. Hearing aids also cannot restore 100 percent of a person’s hearing. They may need to undergo auditory training to help their brain learn how to process sounds.
Hearing Loss Can Be Prevented
People often think hearing loss is a natural part of the aging process. While genetics play a role in a person’s hearing, external factors also determine when and if a person loses hearing. Certain medications can lead to hearing loss, and exposure to loud noises negatively impacts a person’s hearing. Smoking and diabetes have also been linked to hearing loss, and the cumulative effect of these factors increases a person’s risk of auditory issues. Men and women need to know what factors put them at risk of hearing loss and work to mitigate them.
Hearing Aids Help Most People
People often feel they don’t need hearing aids if they only struggle to hear specific frequencies. Mild hearing loss can negatively impact a person’s life. The brain’s neuroplasticity allows people to relearn how to hear with hearing aids when they suffer from hearing loss. Quick intervention and proper hearing aid use will give the person more independence. Their mood will improve, and they will be more mobile. Communication and social interactions benefit from hearing aids, as well.
When wearing hearing aids, it is essential to let others know how to improve communication. Ask them to face you and make eye contact so it is easy to read lips. Meet with others in a quiet location with good lighting rather than crowded places, and ask them to put important communications in writing. When a person with hearing aids struggles to understand something, try to rephrase it so they can catch what is being said. Stand beside them while allowing them to see your face and speak slowly and naturally. Simple steps such as these will enable the person with hearing aids to communicate with others and participate fully in society. They will appreciate the effort others put into ensuring they stay engaged.
