According to the old saying, “all good things come to those who wait.” But that’s not the case when it comes to treating your hearing loss.
It’s crucial to address any trouble with your hearing as soon as possible to prevent further damage and begin a care plan that suits your needs.
Why Do People Wait to Treat Hearing Loss?
Statistics from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association show that only 20% of people who require hearing aids actually use them. And those who need them wait an average of more than 10 years before getting their devices.
Though the stigma is changing, there are prevailing misconceptions about hearing loss and hearing aids.
Common reasons people avoid using hearing aids:
- They don’t notice the typically slow and subtle progression of hearing loss
- Denial of hearing issues
- The appearance of hearing aids
- Concerns about appearing “old”
- The cost
Benefits of Early Treatment
#1: Better Quality of Life
Optimizing your hearing allows you to engage better with the world around you. You can be present in your environment and enhance your quality of life.
Hearing loss affects both your physical and mental health. It may also be a symptom of another underlying health condition. An audiologist can determine the cause of your hearing loss and assess whether it’s a comorbidity of another medical issue.
Your ears and brain must work harder to interpret sounds when you have hearing loss, resulting in listening fatigue. Addressing your hearing loss reduces the effects of straining to hear.
#2: Reduced Risk of Cognitive Decline
Your auditory cortex requires constant stimulation to function. Hearing loss deprives your brain of that stimulation and can cause tissue atrophy. Your brain will eventually rewire itself and use energy from other areas to compensate.
Treating your hearing loss helps your brain stay active and lowers your risk of cognitive decline, memory issues and dementia.
#3: Tinnitus Relief
Exposure to loud sounds damages the hair cells in your inner ear that convert sound waves to electrical signals. Being proactive about hearing loss treatment can help you understand how to manage your tinnitus symptoms and reduce your risk for further damage. Some hearing aids have tinnitus therapy programs and masking features to cover the ringing or buzzing.
#4: Improved Social Interaction
Hearing and listening are essential for building relationships. Hearing loss makes it difficult to communicate effectively, causing you to miss out on interactions and withdraw socially.
Treating your hearing loss allows you to be present and interact with your loved ones more easily. You won’t have to ask others to speak up or repeat themselves or miss out on making memories.
Hearing aids also feature noise cancellation to reduce the effect of background noise and improve your speech comprehension.
#5: Personal Safety
The structures in your ears contribute to your spatial awareness. Hearing loss has been linked to an increased risk of falls. Early intervention allows you to address balance issues.
Treating your hearing loss also helps you stay connected to your surroundings, so you don’t miss important auditory cues, including emergency sirens, alarms and car horns.
Hearing Loss Treatment in Southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa
If you suspect you have hearing loss, don’t wait to seek treatment. At Hearing Associates, we offer comprehensive hearing tests and other audiology services designed to suit your needs. Call 888-760-2032 or schedule your appointment online.