Over the years, hearing aids have carried a stigma. If you use one, people might think of you as old. The consequences?
Countless people, both young and old, go without hearing aids and suffer needlessly from hearing loss, which itself is connected to several health problems. The numbers back this up: 30 million individuals in the United States dealing with hearing loss, yet only about 15 percent of that group has ever worn a hearing aid.
Also, an increasing number of young people are addressing hearing loss: a WHO report from 2015 forecasted that excessive use of headphones and overly loud music shows and festivals will cause over 1.1 billion teenagers and young adults to permanently injure their hearing.
However, progressing technology and shifting attitudes have started to frame hearing aids in a new light, and people are beginning to look at them in a similar way they look at eye-glasses.
Why You Should Wear Hearing Aids
There are a lots of reasons why wearing hearing aids is a good idea, some of them are unexpected and some are obvious.
Several of the most common reasons are as follows:
- Social activities will be more satisfying
- You can minimize tinnitus symptoms
- You’ll give your brain a rest
- You’ll be able to earn more money
- You won’t have as hard a time having conversations
- You won’t have to turn the music or TV up
- You’re able to hear better (As noted, there were some obvious ones on this list)
Do these seem like good reasons to you? Even a person with minor hearing loss can find some benefit from using hearing aids.
What many people don’t know is that hearing loss is associated with mental decline, mental health problems, and conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
This might happen for several different reasons according to research, this involves the overworking of the brain as it battles to comprehend sounds that it hears. It could be that the brain cells don’t get enough activation so they shrink and die, or it might be because of the leading cause of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues which is social isolation.
By letting you hear words and sounds around you more clearly, hearing aids can help alleviate these problems. Your brain won’t have to utilize extra resources and will be able to process sounds in a normal way, while you’ll gain the ability and confidence to find enjoyment in social activities and conversations again.
Hearing Aids Have Developed in Technology
We told you why it’s essential for anybody with hearing loss, young or old, to use hearing aids. Now we’re going to talk about the how; as in, how hearing aid technology has advanced to the point where they’re no longer your grandparents’ hearing aids.
If really want one of those large over the ear hearing aids, you can still buy one. They also have progressed to the point that they can identify where sound is originating from and can filter out sound effectively. However, there are more modern versions of hearing aids that are nearly invisible, yet contain quite a bit of technology to fit in with today’s digital world.
Do you want to connect your hearing aid to your cellphone, tablet, tv, or even your car’s GPS? Most modern hearing aids have Bluetooth technology so you’re in luck. There are even higher-end versions keep track of your physical health, take calls for you, stream music. Hearing aids nowadays are made to do more – just like your smartphone and smartwatch, smart hearing aids will become a must-have accessory for anyone suffering from hearing loss. So now that you are ready to manage your hearing loss and start using a hearing aid, consult with us for an appointment and hearing assessment.
