Historical data, as well as recent studies, show there are many benefits to getting your hearing tested early if hearing loss is suspected. Early detection can mean the difference between a smooth transition into better hearing or going through the struggles of relearning how to hear.

 

Early detection of hearing loss makes it easier to maintain a normal lifestyle and remain active with and connected to those around you.

Quick Statistics About Hearing Loss

  • About 15% of American adults 18 years of age and older report having some trouble with their hearing. 1
  • Based on standard hearing examinations, roughly 30 million Americans (or 13%) age 12 and over have been diagnosed with hearing loss in both ears. 2 That's roughly 1 in 8 Americans.
  • 28.8 million adults in the US could benefit from the use of hearing aids. 3  

  

Why Are These Stats Significant??

As the third most common health problem in the US 4, we need to raise awareness. The advancements in hearing aid technology offer promise to sufferers but, 60-85% of hearing impaired adults over 20 haven't tried hearing aids. 5

If you suspect you have hearing loss, you probably do. (Our Online Hearing Test may be a good place to start.) If others suggest you should get your hearing checked, you probably have some level of hearing loss. Now is the time to take action and control of your hearing health to improve your quality of life.

Here's why...

  

Benefit 1: Better Relationships

When people lose hearing they tend to start withdrawing from conversations and relationships with others. They may feel like a hindrance, always asking people to repeat themselves or, they may be embarrassed they can't follow conversations so they avoid them. Even at work!

It's often a slow process and can be difficult for those around you to spot. They may mistake it for a bad mood, attitude (at work), or depression. You don't have to sit back and accept hearing loss. You need to do something about it. The earlier you detect your hearing loss the easier it is to get help and enjoy your relationships as you did before.

  

Benefit 2: Better Health

Hearing loss has been linked with cognitive decline, brain tissue loss, depression, dementia, and an increased risk for falling. 6,7 The older you are, the harder it is to recover from the effects of hearing loss. Seek treatment before permanent damage is done to the structures of your brain. Low frequency hearing loss may be an indicator of underlying cardiovascular problems as well.8

Any treatment, early or late into the process is better than none. Researchers found the brains of younger patients have the ability to strengthen other senses to compensate and adapt to some of what they may be missing. A recent study suggests the sooner we apply a hearing aid solution, the more efficiently our brain will use the solution. 9 

  

Benefit 3: Hearing Sounds You May Have Forgotten

No scientific study cited here.  When you can hear those you love speaking, birds chirping, fall leaves crunching under your feet, a baby's giggle, a pet's happiness with you, you can't help but feel joyful. One recent hearing aid recipient told us the process of relearning how to hear was a struggle. When he started hearing sounds he forgot were important to him, he was quite thankful for his results.

  

Benefit 4: Knowing is Half the Battle

If you're tested and the results come back normal, you can move forward with the confidence of knowing you have good hearing health. If you get tested and hearing loss is discovered, you can help yourself avoid all of the potential health and personal issues mentioned previously. Identifying hearing loss and early treatment can change your life for the better on so many levels.

  

Benefit 5: Better Overall Quality of Life for All

All of the advantages of getting tested and treating hearing loss head-on are clear. With better hearing, it's natural that you're going to have better relationships than you when you can't understand speech. Studies have shown it also leads to better health. You can't help but get a lift from hearing more of those joyful sounds that you've been missing as well. Owning your hearing health and doing something about it will also raise your confidence level to take on the adventures that life brings to you every day. In other words, taking control of your hearing health leads to a better overall quality of life for you and those who care about and love you.

Historical data, as well as recent studies, show there are many benefits to getting your hearing tested early if hearing loss is suspected. Early detection can mean the difference between a smooth transition into better hearing or going through the struggles of relearning how to hear.

 

Early detection of hearing loss makes it easier to maintain a normal lifestyle and remain active with, and connected to, those around you.

Quick Statistics About Hearing Loss

  • About 15% of American adults 18 years of age and older report having some trouble with their hearing. 1
  • Based on standard hearing examinations, roughly 30 million Americans (or 13%) age 12 and over have been diagnosed with hearing loss in both ears. 2 That's roughly 1 in 8 Americans.
  • 28.8 million adults in the US could benefit from the use of hearing aids. 3  

  

Why Are These Stats Significant??

As the third most common health problem in the US 4, we need to raise awareness. The advancements in hearing aid technology offer promise to sufferers but, 60-85% of hearing impaired adults over 20 haven't tried hearing aids. 5

If you suspect you have hearing loss, you probably do. (Our Online Hearing Test may be a good place to start.) If others suggest you should get your hearing checked, you probably have some level of hearing loss. Now is the time to take action and control of your hearing health to improve your quality of life.

Here's why...

  

Benefit 1: Better Relationships

When people lose hearing they tend to start withdrawing from conversations and relationships with others. They may feel like a hindrance, always asking people to repeat themselves or, they may be embarrassed they can't follow conversations so they avoid them. Even at work!

It's often a slow process and can be difficult for those around you to spot. They may mistake it for a bad mood, attitude (at work), or depression. You don't have to sit back and accept hearing loss. You need to do something about it. The earlier you detect your hearing loss the easier it is to get help and enjoy your relationships as you did before.

  

Benefit 2: Better Health

Hearing loss has been linked with cognitive decline, brain tissue loss, depression, dementia, and an increased risk for falling. 6,7 The older you are, the harder it is to recover from the effects of hearing loss. Seek treatment before permanent damage is done to the structures of your brain. Low frequency hearing loss may be an indicator of underlying cardiovascular problems as well.8

Any treatment, early or late into the process is better than none. Researchers found the brains of younger patients have the ability to strengthen other senses to compensate and adapt to some of what they may be missing. A recent study suggests the sooner we apply a hearing aid solution, the more efficiently our brain will use the solution. 9 

  

Benefit 3: Hearing Sounds You May Have Forgotten

No scientific study cited here.  When you can hear those you love speaking, birds chirping, fall leaves crunching under your feet, a baby's giggle, a pet's happiness with you, you can't help but feel joyful. One recent hearing aid recipient told us the process of relearning how to hear was a struggle. When he started hearing sounds he forgot were important to him, he was quite thankful for his results.

  

Benefit 4: Knowing is Half the Battle

If you're tested and the results come back normal, you can move forward with the confidence of knowing you have good hearing health. If you get tested and hearing loss is discovered, you can help yourself avoid all of the potential health and personal issues mentioned previously. Identifying hearing loss and early treatment can change your life for the better on so many levels.

  

Benefit 5: Better Overall Quality of Life for All

All of the advantages of getting tested and treating hearing loss head-on are clear. With better hearing, it's natural that you're going to have better relationships than you when you can't understand speech. Studies have shown it also leads to better health. You can't help but get a lift from hearing more of those joyful sounds that you've been missing as well. Owning your hearing health and doing something about it will also raise your confidence level to take on the adventures that life brings to you every day. In other words, taking control of your hearing health leads to a better overall quality of life for you and those who care about and love you.

  Sources:

  1. Blackwell DL, Lucas JW, Clarke TC. Summary health statistics for U.S. adults: National Health Interview Survey, 2012. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 10(260). 2014.
  2. Lin FR, Niparko JK, Ferrucci L.  Hearing loss prevalence in the United States. [Letter] Arch Intern Med. 2011 Nov 14; 171(20): 1851-1852.
  3. NIDCD Epidemiology and Statistics Program staff, Health, Statistics, Quick Statistics About Hearing. Cited August 2017.
  4. WebMD, Ato Z Guides. Hearing Loss. Cited August 2017.
  5. NIDCD Epidemiology and Statistics Program staff, Health, Statistics, Quick Statistics About Hearing. Cited August 2017. See also Use of Hearing Aids by Adults with Hearing Loss (chart).
  6. Hopkinsmedicine.org, Hearing Loss Linked to Accelerated Brain Tissue Loss. [press release]. January 22, 2014.
  7. Hopkinsmedicine.org, Hearing Loss Linked to Three-Fold Risk of Falling. [press release]. January 22, 2014.
  8. Friedland DR, Cederberg C, Tarima S, Audiometric pattern as a predictor of cardiovascular status: Development of a model for assessment of risk. The Laryngoscope. 2009 Mar: 199(3):473-486.
  9. Merrifield, Rex. Horizon, Young brains compensate for deafness more than older ones. [article]. March 22, 2016

  

  

If you suspect hearing loss, get tested now. Many clinics offer free or low cost screenings. If you'd like to talk to someone about hearing loss or schedule an appointment, call or chat with us today:

  

  

  

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