Hearing aids bring many benefits, not least of which is the ability to join in a conversation, hear the TV or radio properly and be more aware of your surroundings. As a result of scientific studies around the world, it’s slowly becoming clear that there are also many health benefits of wearing hearing aids, which give you even more compelling reasons to get your hearing tested as soon as you become aware of any hearing loss.
Four health benefits of wearing hearing aids
Keep your mind sharp
At the end of last year, the results of a 25-year study were published, showing that whilst there is a decline in cognition associated with hearing loss, if you use hearing aids you will definitely reduce this risk. The study followed 3,700 adults over the age of 65 and found that whilst the majority of them suffered some level of cognitive decline, the cognition of the people with hearing loss who did not use hearing aids declined at an accelerated rate. People with hearing loss who used hearing aids experienced decline at the same rate as those with normal hearing.
Less risk of harm
A study undertaken by researchers at John Hopkins University found that people with mild hearing loss were nearly three times more likely to have had a fall, and any increases in hearing loss brought about a proportional increased risk of falling. Researchers have two possible explanations as to why this might be. One is that if people can’t hear well, they’ll be less aware of their surroundings, making it more likely that they’ll trip and fall. The other is that gait and balance, both of which are cognitively demanding, may be afforded less attention by the brain if it becomes overwhelmed with trying to cope with hearing loss.
Quality of life
Many people who have hearing loss are aware that they’re missing things, but don’t know what. The inability to hear properly makes it difficult to communicate with other people. In turn, this makes it harder for people to remain engaged with the rest of society. Scientists have established a strong link between hearing problems and depression; in America, around 15-20% of the elderly have been diagnosed with depression. There have been many scientific studies highlighting the social isolation which follows hearing loss, which often leads to mental health issues and an increased risk of suicide. People with hearing loss who use hearing aids tend to have a better quality of life than people who don’t.
Fun
Everyone loves to laugh and if you’re wearing hearing aids, you’ll be able to join in the fun simply because you’ll have heard the joke. Laughter not only helps people bond, it also strengthens your immune system, encourages the production of endorphins which are powerful hormones associated with pain reduction, increases your heart rate which stimulates oxygen uptake, and protects you from stress by relaxing the muscles. A good laugh will also help you cope with difficult situations and see life in a different perspective.
If you are worried about hearing loss in yourself or a loved one, contact us to make an appointment for a hearing test.
