Overcoming Stigma: The Benefits of Wearing Hearing Aids

Studies have shown that people wait, on average, around seven to 10 years from when their hearing begins to deteriorate before they finally look into the hearing aids they could benefit from. Initially, this is likely because the person isn’t aware that they’re experiencing hearing loss. But even when people do recognize that they need some help with their hearing, they’re still delayed in making an appointment with a hearing instrument specialist.

And that’s because of the perceived stigma of wearing a hearing aid. The perception of hearing aids is out of date with modern technology, however – today’s hearing devices are much more subtle and comfortable than the ones available in the 1970s and 1980s. Wearing hearing aids can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss. By amplifying sounds and enhancing speech comprehension, hearing aids enable better communication, social engagement and overall wellbeing.

Your Relationships Will Improve

One of the primary – and most noticeable – side effects of hearing loss is the impact that it can have on personal relationships. It’s difficult to have fluid conversations when one of the people in the conversation cannot hear well. Indeed, many people decide it’s time to get a hearing aid due to the insistence of their friends and family members, who tell them that hearing loss is beginning to affect their relationships.

In addition to enhancing the quality of your close relationships, a hearing device can also lead to improved social interactions. It can be difficult to pay attention to group conversations in loud restaurants and cafes if you have hearing loss. Investing in a hearing aid can ensure that you keep up with all that’s being said, which in turn can enhance your social life.

Level Up Your Independence

Depending on the severity of your hearing loss, you may be reliant on other people to do things for you. For instance, people with hearing loss often find that they’re unable to drive safely because they cannot hear what’s going on around them. They can also shy away from interacting with strangers in shops and government agencies, and instead ask their family members to do it for them.

While this may not sound like a big deal, it does have a negative impact on their independence. In this sense, getting a hearing aid doesn’t just improve the quality of the person’s hearing; it can also help to keep them fully independent.

Improve Your Mental Wellbeing

People that have hearing loss can often end up spending increasing amounts of time alone. This could be because they’re embarrassed that they can’t keep up with conversations, or because they feel overwhelmed by loud spaces where they can differentiate sounds. As humans are social creatures, it’s really important for us to be aware of anything that may make us become more withdrawn, such as hearing loss. By getting a hearing aid fitted, you’ll be making it easier participate in all the social activities you love, which keeps social-related depression and anxiety at bay.

Rediscovering Sounds of the World

The world is rich with sounds, but if you have unaddressed hearing loss, then you may well be missing out on those sounds. There’s something special about listening to the sound of falling rain or birdsong. Indeed, in the case of birdsong, just listening can boost happiness and reduce anxiety. It’s important to keep all of your senses as fully functioning as possible. In the case of hearing, it can be as straightforward as making an appointment with a hearing instrument specialist.

Prevent Cognitive Decline

Finally, studies have shown that hearing aids can help to prevent cognitive decline in adult humans. If you have hearing loss, then parts of your brain will need to work harder in order to hear the world, and that can put an additional strain on your brain that could lead to cognitive decline in other areas. By wearing a hearing aid, you’ll be decreasing your risk of experiencing this type of decline.

Pay a visit to a hearing instrument specialist, and you might just be surprised at how far hearing aids have come. There are a range of options available, from discreet devices that are worn within the canal to more powerful and easy-to-handle options worn behind the ear. Your HIS will work to find the right technology for your hearing, lifestyle and budget needs. If you’re ready to get the hearing aid you deserve, then be sure to get in touch with us here at Bay Area Hearing Care Professionals by calling (727) 202-4330.