It used to be that hearing loss was considered a harmless part of aging, or hearing failure was just the price some people had to pay for listening to loud music. However, studies show that it’s not a minor problem or issue. It’s a big deal. Left uncorrected and untreated, it can be a life or death situation.
The National Council on Aging conducted research in January 2000 to quantify the magnitude of the problem, and the report shows that hearing impairment impacts all facets of life in a profound way. Those who do not use hearing instruments are prone to depression and isolation. These emotional problems gradually grow and grow, poisoning social connections and communication until the patient withdraws from relationships. This is how depression forms and a quiet crisis begins. Healthy relationships guard against emotional problems, and without social connections, people lose their will to live.
The loneliness associated with hearing loss has long been a hidden epidemic. People with mild to severe hearing impairment often silently suffer, not realizing the extent to which the impairment is affecting their lives. This is why early intervention is critical and why no one should wait to get a hearing test. Those who use hearing devices report less paranoia, improved social participation, and less anger than those who don’t wear an aid.
Particularly with more profound hearing loss, people are more apt to lose income as a result of not seeking treatment. One businessman reported that he lost over one million dollars in a failed business deal because he couldn’t understand what the client needed. Such a story highlights the true toll of forgoing testing and treatment. Vanity is no longer an excuse, because hearing instruments can now be placed in the canal and are virtually invisible. But even if someone can see the device, isn’t that preferable to losing money and relationships?
Fortunately, the emotional damage can be quickly reversed once help is sought. A 1998 study published in Hear Jour demonstrated that within three months, patients can significantly improve their health status simply by using a hearing instrument. One major hurdle to seeking treatment, however, is denial. Often patients with untreated hearing loss are told by others that they have a problem, but psychologically, they are unwilling to accept it. “My hearing is fine, I don’t know why people think it’s bad,” they might say. In reality, it’s critical to stop denying the problem. A hearing test can provide the facts and help put an end to the denial.
Safety is also a concern. The ears provide important sensory information about one’s surroundings and environment. Without such input, serious mistakes can be made. Reacting to social cues, alarms, and danger signals is important for one’s physical safety.
Happily, hearing aids can resolve most of the consequences of hearing loss and restore social connections. There is no reason to ignore the problem and delay getting tested. It’s important to be a full participant in life, and not a passive victim of delayed care.
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Miracle Ear hearing aids offer you with the ability to hear clearly again. Whether you're conversing with an old friend, at the movies or just watching television with family at home, a Miracle Ear hearing aid ensures you can hear everything clearly.
