We previously published an article about the role socializing plays in your ability to hear.
One study suggested that more social interactions increase your capacity to understand social sounds. It also showed that these sounds can physically modify the ear to increase sensitivity, though the precise location of this change is unknown.
This research has substantial implications for socially isolated humans, such as individuals in nursing homes and prisoners, who are likely to communicate less frequently. It could also have importance for the hearing impaired community as well, who sometimes struggle to hear speech frequencies.
If you are suffering from untreated hearing loss, now is the time to do something about it. As the above study points out, hearing is what ties you to other people and your community. For those with hearing loss, the use of a hearing aid can help make sure you stay connected. It can also provide additional benefits besides simply improving your hearing.
Improved General Health
Those who treat their hearing loss see an improvement in their balance and experience a decrease in:
- Feelings of Depression
- Anger
- Anxiety
On the other hand, those who decide not to treat their hearing loss are three times more likely to suffer physical injuries, especially falls. They are also at an increased risk of cognitive decline.
Improved Emotional Well-Being
Those who treat their hearing loss are able to overcome their reliance on others because they can once again navigate the world on their own. This helps them regain their sense of control.
Treating your hearing loss leads to reduced periods of social isolation as well as healthier and longer-lasting relationships. These patients have also been shown to have higher self-esteem and quality of life than those who don’t.
Improved Professional Success
Choosing to not treat your hearing loss can make it harder for you to concentrate, especially when communicating with others. It can also lead to reduced job performance and less monetary compensation.
The Better Hearing Institute (BHI) conducted a study that provides even more data about how much of a difference hearing aids can make.
A total of 2,000 individuals with hearing loss were surveyed for this study. Of those, 82 percent indicated they would recommend hearing aids to their friends and 70 percent reported an improved ability to communicate
The study also concluded patients who used a hearing aid saw improvement in their:
- Romance
- Sense of Humor
- Mental Health
- Emotional Health
- Physical Health
- Sense of Safety
- Self-Confidence
- Feelings about Self
- Sense of Independence
- Work Relationships