If you had poor eyesight, would you wear glasses? You probably answered yes. It seems like the obvious answer. If you had poor eyesight, something as simple as being fitted for and wearing glasses or contact lenses could have an immense, positive impact on your ability to see, read, drive, and perform other daily tasks.
If that answer seems so obvious, why is the same not true for those who suffer from hearing loss? Certainly, some people with hearing loss do seek treatment and follow through with the recommendations from their hearing professional. For example, many people wear hearing aids, which can help them better hear and communicate.
However, health experts believe that many more people should be wearing hearing aids—but are not. It is estimated that between 37.5 million to 44 million adults in the United States have hearing loss. Despite how common hearing loss is, many who suffer from the condition allow it to go untreated.
While there may be some people with hearing loss who are aware of the condition and knowingly go without treatment, it is believed that many of those who go without treatment for hearing loss are unaware of the condition. In fact, you might be one of those people who should be wearing hearing aids! If you are unsure whether you are experiencing hearing loss, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you often need to turn up the volume on the TV, radio, or other listening devices in order to hear it well?
- Do you find yourself asking others to repeat themselves in conversation because you could not clearly understand them?
- Does sound ever seem muffled or unclear to you?
- Do you find yourself avoiding conversation or simply nodding to mask the fact that you cannot understand what is being said?
- Is it difficult to hear in noisy situations, especially those with background noise?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may be experiencing hearing loss. As noted, it is a very common condition—and with professional help, it can be effectively treated. Hearing aids are now more comfortable, discrete, and effective than ever before. Using hearing aids can effectively improve your ability to hear, enhance your ability to communicate, and improve your quality of life. Research has shown that hearing aid users may also benefit from increased earning power, better relationships, and improved confidence and social participation.
In addition, untreated hearing loss has been linked to several other conditions, including depression, anxiety, falls, and even dementia. Those with untreated hearing loss are also more likely to experience social isolation and loneliness. By treating your hearing loss and properly wearing hearing aids, you can lower your risk for these associated health conditions and once again enjoy life, full of the sounds you love.
If you believe that you may be experiencing hearing loss, we encourage you to contact our hearing practice today. We will help you find the solution you need.
