Are you one of the nearly 48 million people in Portland, Oregon or throughout the country with hearing loss? If so, are you one of the nearly 80 percent who choose not to use their hearing aid?
I thought so. Do you mind if I ask why? (You can say the answer out loud. I swear, I can hear it.) Is it because you don’t want to admit you have a problem, or are you trying to prevent the inevitable: looking old? Have you ever wondering how old you look having to ask people to repeat themselves or answering questions incorrectly because you did not hear them right the first time?
Still skeptical? What if I were to tell you that using a hearing aid does way more than simply improve your ability to hear? Below are some facts that may help you change your mind.
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
- 70 percent reported an improved ability to communicate
- Four out of five people who use an aid to hear better are satisfied with their solution.
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
Have we changed your mind yet? If you could have a better quality of life all by wearing a small hearing aid, wouldn’t you?
Contact our office to learn more.
