How Do I Know If I Need Hearing Aids?
Posted by Living Sounds
When my patients come to see me, their hearing loss is at times one of many health concerns they are experiencing. When there is a lot happening in a person’s life, the added pressure of identifying a hearing loss can seem pretty daunting. It’s like the universe is saying, “here’s one more health concern requiring you to take action!” This can seem overwhelming, but if this is how you or a loved one of yours is feeling, please know that the hearing professionals at Living Sounds Hearing Centre are empathetic to the situation. We are here to help you through this. The experience of having a trusted health care professional standing by your side through your hearing journey is invaluable to the overall outcome.
Hearing loss remains the third most prevalent chronic medical condition, following only arthritis and hypertension. Information compiled by Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC) revealed that the majority of people with hearing loss (approximately 90% of patients with hearing loss) would benefit from hearing aids, and yet only 1 of 5 are using them! That implies there are a lot of people out there who are not taking action for one reason or another.
It’s time for us to take the necessary steps to improve communication and take our communicative health seriously. Numerous studies over the past few years have looked into the cost and ongoing health consequences of not treating hearing loss.
The reasonably expected social implications of untreated hearing loss include embarrassment, irritability, stress, loneliness, damage to personal relationships, and withdrawal from social situations. Now we also know that untreated hearing loss is linked to increased cognitive fatigue, increased anxiety, depression, impaired memory, and increased cognitive decline in seniors.
A summary of one such study published through John Hopkins Medicine can be found here.
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with hearing loss, consider taking the next step by talking to one of our highly qualified and compassionate Hearing Aid Practitioners or Audiologists. We can help identify your hearing aid needs based on your lifestyle and comfort levels. More importantly, we will be there during the process to introduce you to hearing aid maintenance, expectations, and the aural rehabilitation process with ongoing support!
