It’s no secret that hearing aids can change your life. When most people think about the benefits of hearing aids, they think of improved communication, strengthened relationships with loved and feeling overall better-connected with the world around you. While all of this is true, there are other life-changing benefits you may not know about.
Hearing Aids Are Linked to Better Health
A University of Michigan study published in 2019 found that hearing aids not only improve hearing, they reduce the risk of dementia, depression and falls.
Researchers examined data collected between 2008 and 2016 from nearly 115,000 adults over the age of 66 who had been diagnosed with hearing loss. They looked at data from one year before to three years after a hearing loss diagnosis.
Overall, results showed that:
- Risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s was 18% lower in people who wore hearing aids compared to those who didn’t.
- Risk of developing depression or anxiety was 11% lower for hearing aid wearers.
- Risk of fall-related injury was 13% lower for hearing aid wearers.
Other Research
Other studies have supported the results of this 2019 research.
Cognitive Decline
A study out of a hospital in Paris found that among patients who treated their hearing loss with cochlear implants, 80% experienced significant cognitive improvement after one year.
Depression & Anxiety
Data from 25,600 adults published in 2020 found that among those with moderate untreated hearing loss, 77% reported psychological distress compared to just 23% of those who wore hearing aids.
Fall-Related Injury
Your hearing and balance systems are both housed within the inner ear, which is why damage to the inner ear often causes hearing and balance problems. While no research has supported the notion that hearing aids improve balance, they do make you more aware of your surroundings and can help prevent other accidents.
The Importance of Seeking Treatment
If you’re ready to improve your health, take your life back and enjoy activities you once enjoyed like shows at The Alamo Theatre, the first step is to schedule an appointment for a hearing test with an audiologist. A hearing test will reveal exactly what type and degree of hearing loss you have, which is the first step in getting treated. Hearing aids are the gold standard treatment for hearing loss in most cases. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the hearing experts at Hearing Center of Silver Spring today.