It’s estimated that almost 40 million Americans over the age of 18 experience some form of hearing loss. Hearing loss can go undetected for quite some time. Because it progresses slowly, it’s often difficult to notice. Often, it’s your friends and family who first notice your hearing loss.
As Hal Linden once said, “I hadn’t really noticed that I had a hearing problem. I just thought most people had given up on speaking clearly.”
If that sounds familiar to you, it’s possible you have a hearing loss. It’s important to treat hearing loss. Early detection can improve your quality of life. Aside from better hearing, there are other reasons to seek treatment. Changes to your hearing could actually be an indication of an underlying health condition.
5 Reasons to Treat Your Hearing Loss Early
On average, many of us wait up to 10 years before seeking help for hearing loss. The longer we wait, the more communication with our loved ones is impacted. It also has unspoken health implications.
As Johns Hopkins expert Frank Lin, M.D., Ph.D, said, “Our findings emphasized just how important it is to be proactive in addressing any hearing declines over time.”
Below, we look at 5 reasons to treat your hearing loss early:
1.) Your Memory
An increasing number of studies have identified a connection between our memory and our ability to hear. The Hearing Loss Association of America stated that “hearing loss may increase the risk of cognitive problems and even dementia.”
Seniors with a hearing impairment are more likely to develop dementia. The more severe the hearing loss, the greater likelihood of developing dementia. Read more about this connection here.
2.) Help Your Tinnitus Symptoms
Tinnitus is a condition where you can hear a sound that isn’t produced by an external source. People often report hearing ringing, buzzing or humming noises.
The Hearing Health Foundation estimates that up to 90% of people with tinnitus also have hearing loss. Symptoms of tinnitus can be reduced by treating the hearing loss.
3.) Your Physical Health
Your hearing may be an indicator of a number of underlying health conditions. High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease have both been linked to hearing loss.
Diabetes is one of America’s most widespread health concerns. It’s estimated that people with diabetes are twice as likely to have a hearing loss. Read more about the connection here.
4.) Your Mental Health
Untreated hearing loss has been linked to depression in American adults. Women and those younger than 70 are more at-risk of experiencing depression due to untreated hearing loss.
Social isolation is one side-effect of untreated hearing loss. A loss of social interaction can have a knock-on effect on our mental health. Read more about the connection here.
5.) For Communication
Communication is one of the more obvious benefits to treating hearing loss. But we’re not just talking about your ability to communicate. You probably don’t realize how much untreated hearing loss also affects those around us.
If you suspect that your hearing has changed, it’s important to book a hearing assessment. The hearing healthcare professionals at Anderson Audiology are on hand to help. Call us on 702-997-2964 or click here to request an appointment online.