Hearing loss is common, affecting approximately 48 million people across the nation. In fact, the CDC reports that it is the third most common physical condition affecting Americans. Yet despite its prevalence, there is stigma around treatment that keeps people from wearing hearing aids.
If you could benefit from a hearing aid but are still on the fence about getting one, below are four reasons that may help you decide to make the investment.
1. Hearing Aids Help Prevent Falls
Untreated hearing loss is associated with an elevated risk of falling, according to research from Johns Hopkins University. In fact, people with mild hearing loss at 25 decibels have triple the risk of falling compared to people without hearing loss. This risk increases by 1.4-fold for every additional 10 decibels of hearing loss.
Fortunately, another study by the Washington University School of Medicine found that wearing hearing aids can help people use sound information as reference points to stay balanced, reducing the risk of falling when walking down Downtown Silver Spring.
2. Hearing Aids Protect Against Cognitive Decline
Another study by Johns Hopkins University found that untreated hearing loss increases the risk of developing dementia. Those with mild hearing loss are twice as likely to develop dementia, those with moderate hearing loss are three times as likely and those with severe hearing loss are five times as likely compared to those with normal hearing.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that hearing aid usage is linked to a delayed diagnosis of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Hearing Aids Boost Mental Health
Multiple studies have linked untreated hearing loss to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. This is not surprising, given that hearing loss makes communication difficult with others, leading to social withdrawal and feelings of isolation.
Fortunately, plenty of research provides evidence that hearing aids can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety for people with hearing loss.
4. Today’s Hearing Aids Are Technological Marvels
If you’re still hesitant to get a pair of hearing aids, it may be because you’re picturing the awkward, clunky devices your parents or grandparents wore. However, today’s hearing aids are different. They’re built to be sleek and discreet, and offer amazing features like Bluetooth connectivity, automatic programming and background noise reduction.
For more information about today’s hearing aids or to schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert, call Hearing Center of Silver Spring today.