Hearing loss can really effect the way you live, even when it’s minor. The way you interact with friends, coworkers, and family members can change dramatically. Daily activities like going to the supermarket can grow more difficult. But that doesn’t mean it has to be all doom and gloom. Quite the opposite, a well adjusted set of hearing aids can make a big difference.
Hearing aids improve your ability to hear, and that’s typically how most people think of them. And that’s not untrue. But how is the quality of life improved? What further benefits will hearing aids deliver?
The top ten reasons to invest in hearing aids
It’s kind of extraordinary, isn’t it, how we can so often put together top ten lists for anything? I bet you didn’t think you would be reading a top ten list about hearing aids when you got up this morning. Well, perhaps you did if you’ve been coping with your hearing loss for a while.
So here are the top ten advantages of using hearing aids.
1. You will have better relationships.
Great communication is critical to any great relationship. But communication can be challenging when you have neglected hearing loss. But when you wear hearing aids, you’ll be able to hear the whole conversation without missing anything. You’ll be able to keep up with the conversation and get the whole story.
You won’t be resentful and feel excluded from conversations. So your overall relationships, among your friends, co-workers, and family members, will improve. The link between hearing aids and relationships is a strong one!
2. You’ll be more independent
When you’re dealing with neglected hearing loss, tasks such as shopping or eating out can be a real ordeal. When you can’t hear all that well, communicating with cashiers and wait staff can be tricky. But with a set of hearing aids, the whole process suddenly becomes much easier. You’ll have much more independence when you move around the world around you.
You’ll also be in a better position to drive safely. That’s because your general situational awareness will be increased by your hearing aids. You won’t be as anxious about doing things by yourself when you can hear the world more clearly.
3. You could make more money
Let’s toss out a hypothetical: if you’re in a meeting at work and miss half of what’s discussed, you may not do your job quite as well. This can lead to passed promotions or even dicey job opportunities.
When you’re wearing properly calibrated hearing aids, you will be less fatigued from straining to hear, and following along with those meetings will be a lot easier. This can boost your focus on work and put you in a better position to increase your income.
4. You’ll have reduced tinnitus symptoms
Tinnitus is one of those things that the majority of people have experienced at times; it’s that ringing or buzzing in your ear. Tinnitus symptoms will frequently be more intense and frequent with hearing loss (tinnitus is sometimes louder with hearing loss simply because everything else is quieter, but there could also be other reasons as well).
Many individuals report that their tinnitus symptoms decrease when they wear a hearing aid. The louder overall outside sound provided by the hearing aid may be, in some cases, just drowning out the tinnitus symptoms. But relief is relief.
5. Decreased risk of cognitive decline
There is a solid connection between cognitive decline and hearing loss. For instance, untreated hearing loss can significantly elevate your chance of developing dementia. There are lots of hypotheses about why this may be, but the bottom line is that managing your hearing loss seems to help! That’s why it’s essential to be certain you use your hearing aids. You might be giving your brain a better chance of remaining healthy longer.
6. You can appreciate music again
When you have hearing loss music is harder to hear clearly. That’s because hearing loss tends to impact one frequency of sound first, then another. For instance, you might be unable to pick up low frequencies. The music you used to like, consequently, might sound… different.
With your hearing aids, however, those missing gaps in the music will be filled in, and you can appreciate music again! You’ll hear all of the wavelengths and your music won’t sound so muffled. Hearing your favorite band again can be extremely enjoyable.
7. You’ll get a boost of confidence
Being able to hear better and interact more thoroughly will boost your confidence. And who doesn’t like confidence?
We’re not implying that you shouldn’t have confidence simply because you deal with hearing loss. We’re simply saying that you might find yourself having a difficult time interacting with others, particularly if your hearing loss is new.
Those interactions can become easier again with hearing aids. And when that takes place, confidence will grow.
8. Your energy will be higher
If your hearing impairment has been gradually developing, your brain has likely been working overtime. That’s because your brain doesn’t know your ears aren’t working right, so it’s constantly attempting to fill in the audio gaps that your hearing impairment has created. That’s hard work. And so, your brain is under persistent strain.
Your brain gets to recharge and relax when you use a hearing aid. It won’t need to work so hard. Which means you won’t feel so continuously exhausted and drained. You’ll enjoy doing the things that are exciting for you with this increased energy.
9. Being more aware of your surroundings will keep you safer
If your hearing loss is new, you might not yet have entirely adapted. You’re used to hearing traffic before you step out into the street. You’re used to hearing the ambulance siren before you look in the rearview mirror.
If your hearing loss is recent, or you aren’t conscious of it, you might presume that some situations are safe when they actually aren’t. And that can be a hazardous proposition.
Hearing aids will help regain that lost awareness. So you’ll be able to make wiser, safer choices.
10. You’ll be a positive example!
Change can be difficult, and personal growth still harder. You’re admitting that things aren’t working effectively now when you get a hearing aid. But you’re also trying to better the situation.
That’s a good thing! It’s the sort of thing we should all strive for! So you’re becoming a role model and a positive example when you use your hearing aids. You should be proud of yourself.
Schedule a hearing test right away
When you use hearing aids you will hear better and that’s the main advantage. That goes without saying. But there are lots of advantages to using hearing aids. This top ten list is only that, one little list of just ten of these advantages.
You might have an entirely different top ten list. Making an appointment with us for a hearing exam is the first step no matter what advantages you look forward to.