Hearing loss impacts our emotional well-being
When we hear our best, there’s nothing stopping us from enjoying the sounds of laughter, music, nature or conversations with family and friends. Hearing these sounds helps fuel us, and undeniably makes moments more memorable and life more enjoyable.
When hearing is impaired, those sounds we’ve taken for granted fade — leading to a cascade of changes that could impact us emotionally.
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Hearing loss might cause embarrassment
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Missing favorite sounds might lead to sadness
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Missing critical information could create anxiety
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Not hearing conversations clearly might lead to feeling left out
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Feeling left out can lead to depression and social isolation
Hearing loss increases the risk for dementia three ways:
Hearing loss impacts our physical and mental health
Hearing loss plays a significant role in our physical and mental well-being — with a growing body of research linking hearing loss to dementia and cognitive decline. When we hear our best, it’s easy to stay engaged, alert and active.
When hearing is impaired, our sense of space shrinks, warning cues get missed, and we withdraw from social activities or situations. This leaves our physical and mental health vulnerable.
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Adults with hearing loss are up to 5 times more likely to develop dementia1
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Hearing loss is linked to a three-fold risk of falling2
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Accidental injuries are up to 50 percent more likely for people with hearing loss3
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Source: John Hopkins Medicine
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Source: John Hopkins Medicine
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Source: JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
Hearing loss impacts everyday life
More than anything else, hearing keeps us connected to the world around us. Whether it’s communicating with friends and family, interacting with colleagues, enjoying a recital, movie or TV show, or waking up to birds singing outside your window — when you hear better, you simply live better.
But when hearing is impaired, those connections, interactions and moments can be muted and strained, which has an impact on our quality of life.
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Missing a grandchild’s first words or a family dinner story
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Feeling left out of a conversation or a good joke
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Limiting once-fun social activities
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Feeling less independent, less confident and less secure
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Frustrating loved ones with constant requests to repeat what was said
Won't wearing a hearing aid make me stand out?
While you are no doubt concerned about appearance, compensating for a hearing loss by asking people to repeat themselves, inappropriately responding to people (or not responding at all), or even withdrawing from social situations is more obvious than wearing a hearing aid. Today’s hearing aids are small, discreet and more stylish than ever. Some are even invisible.
Learn about common myths and facts about wearing hearing aids >
How will a hearing aid improve my quality of life?
Research on people with hearing loss and their significant others has shown that hearing aids play a significant factor in a person’s social, emotional, psychological and physical well-being.
Will a hearing aid restore my hearing?
While no hearing aid can restore your hearing to normal (except in cases of very mild hearing loss), hearing aids are designed to let you hear soft sounds that you could not hear before, and prevent loud sounds from becoming uncomfortably loud for you. They are also designed to improve your ability to understand speech, even in noisy environments.
Is there a connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline?
There appears to be a connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline according to research conducted and published by a team of physicians at Johns Hopkins and the National Institute on Aging. According to the study, “older adults with hearing loss are more likely to develop problems thinking and remembering than older adults whose hearing is normal.”
How does hearing loss affect my overall health and wellness?
Hearing loss can occur for a number of reasons. As people age, they may begin to lose their hearing as a result of the natural aging process. Your hearing health contributes to your overall well-being and quality of life. Begin your journey to better overall health today.
What are some advances in hearing aid technology?
Like many other high-tech devices (TVs, phones, computers), hearing aids have experienced a major technological revolution in the past decade and especially in the last few years.
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