Hearing loss affects approximately one in three people in the U.S. between ages 65 and 74 and nearly half of adults over 75. Medically termed presbycusis, age-related hearing loss occurs as a result of gradual changes in the middle ear, complex changes along the nerves leading from the ear to the brain or long-term exposure to loud noise throughout your life. Whether your hearing loss is a result of the aging process or you just spent a little too much time around loud noise, treating hearing loss as a senior can have a monumentally positive impact on your life.
Let’s look at three reasons it’s essential to treat your hearing loss as a senior.
1. Communication and Relationships
Hearing is vital for communication. Untreated hearing loss can make it difficult for seniors to engage in conversations, leading to misunderstandings and frustrations in personal relationships. Difficult communication can, in turn, lead to social isolation, as it may become more exhausting to interact with others.
2. Cognitive Health
Growing evidence suggests a link between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline, including an increased risk for dementia. Addressing hearing loss may help maintain cognitive functions longer. One 2023 study found that hearing aids reduced the rate of cognitive decline in older adults with a high risk of developing dementia by nearly 50% over three years. Although research is still developing, the apparent correlation between hearing aids and reduced risk of dementia is an essential reason to seek hearing loss treatment.
3. Safety and Independence
Hearing is vital for detecting warning signals and dangers in the environment. For example, if you’re crossing the street to pick up your favorite coffee from the Brew N Bake, you rely on your hearing to alert you to honking cars, pedestrian traffic and more. Managing hearing loss effectively can provide safety and help you maintain a higher level of independence, enabling you to continue participating in the world without worrying you’re missing critical auditory cues.
People with hearing loss take an average of seven years from when they suspect the condition to when they seek treatment. Don’t let the years pass before you enjoy the benefits of hearing loss treatment. Contact Lake Jackson ENT today to schedule an appointment with one of our hearing specialists.
