According to a recent report from the WHO, by 2050, approximately two billion people will be dealing with some degree of hearing loss across the world. While hearing loss can be attributed to various different causes, such as exposure to loud noises and inner-ear infections, aging is often the key cause of hearing loss. In fact, by the time an adult reaches 80 years old, they have a 90% chance of dealing with hearing loss that must be treated by a hearing health professional.
While in previous years, age-related hearing loss was difficult to combat due to the fact that it is a progressive condition, there are now plenty of hearing aids on the market that can help you deal with any symptoms associated with hearing loss. In fact, hearing aids can actually help reduce the signs of aging.
Hearing Aids Make It Easier for You to Communicate
Those dealing with hearing loss, particularly elders, respond by isolating themselves from others. For example, they may opt to spend more time indoors or at home because they find it impossible to communicate in busy, outdoor spaces. This is due to the fact that hearing loss impacts how we communicate – as you may find that you are unable to pay attention or follow along with the regular conversation.
However, the more you isolate yourself from those around you and withdraw from your day-to-day activities, the more vulnerable you become to mental health issues such as depression. As a result, getting hearing aids can help to resolve this issue.
Hearing Aids Can Slow Down Cognitive Decline
The elderly population is already much more likely to deal with cognitive decline and related conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. However, if left untreated, hearing loss can speed up cognitive decline quite considerably due to its impact on your ability to communicate and interact with the world around you. In fact, there are plenty of studies that suggest that moderate to severe hearing loss increases the chances of a person receiving a dementia diagnosis.
In these cases, hearing loss can help to reduce signs of aging by ensuring that you can remain engaged in the world around you. They’ll also lessen feelings of confusion, anxiety and stress that are again often associated with getting older.
Hearing Aids Reduce the Chances of You Dealing with a Nasty Fall
Believe it or not, our ability to balance is linked closely with our auditory health. This is because the vestibular system is located in our inner ear, which impacts our ability to balance. As a result, those dealing with hearing loss may find that their balance is also affected, meaning they are much more likely to deal with a nasty fall.
As we get older, the chances of getting seriously injured by even the most minor trip increases – meaning that by working on our balance, you can help to fight this sign of aging. Furthermore, being able to hear better also improves your awareness of the world around you, meaning you’re able to identify potential safety hazards that may stand in your way, again reducing the chances of you dealing with an accident, trip or fall.
What Should I Do If I’m Experiencing Hearing Loss?
Regardless of your age, if you are dealing with any form of prolonged hearing loss, then it is essential that you reach out to a hearing health professional. They will be able to provide you with a variety of treatment or support options that will allow you to take better care of your auditory health moving forward – whether you are dealing with tinnitus or partial or complete loss of hearing.
For example, they’ll be able to provide you with advice on which make, model and style of hearing aid is right for you – as there are plenty to choose from. For example, if you are dealing with moderate-to-severe hearing loss, you may be encouraged to try out in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids due to the fact that they provide the most hearing support, such as directional microphones and volume control settings.
To find out more about how hearing aids reduce aging or to speak to one of our experts at Hear Again America, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today. You can reach us at (887) 905 9493 or send an email if you prefer to communicate online. We look forward to hearing from you.