Affects of Untreated Hearing Loss

Many people have excuses for neglecting their hearing.  Some worry about hearing aids making them look old, others feel the cost of hearing aids isn’t worth it.  It is easy to say, others can yell, but in reality there is more to it than hearing sounds and voices. 

Not using hearing aids has serious social and emotional affects.  Helping someone to identify the signs can help them realize it is time for a hearing evaluation.

When someone cannot hear what is said or miss hears information, it’s easy to see the impact on communication even isolation and withdrawal from social situations are often apparent.  A study by the National Council on Aging shows the less obvious.  The study looked at adults 50 years and older with untreated hearing loss. It found they experienced more sadness and depression than those who used hearing aids.  Further they worried more and experienced greater anxiety.  Self esteem also suffered. 

Not using hearing aids also impacted the brain’s function.  There was a reduction in brain’s ability to recall words.   Even a mild hearing loss reduced memory and understanding.  People with hearing loss had to work harder to hear and to remember what was heard.   Working harder to hear used more energy causing tiredness and at times fatigue. 

If left untreated some of these can become permanent.  The sooner one gets started with hearing aids, the more likely these will turn around.  Today's hearing aids look wonderful and work better than ever.  Learn more: http://aachear.org/home/hearing_loss_the_emotional_effects.  Life Sounds Great!  Enjoy Every Moment!

Jane Kukula, AuD
Paula Webster, MA
Advanced Audiology Concepts
8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848
http://www.aachear.org/