Hearing loss is an extremely common condition affecting more than 48 million people in the U.S. In fact, nearly 25 percent of people ages 65 to 74 have disabling hearing loss, and that number doubles for those over the age of 75. Even though nearly 30 million of individuals with hearing loss could benefit from hearing aids, fewer than 16 percent use the devices.
Many theories have been thrown around as to why so many Americans choose to live with untreated hearing loss instead of seeking treatment. Understanding more about these devices and the benefit they can have on one’s health can help convince those with hearing loss to seek treatment.
Dangers of Untreated Hearing Loss
Untreated hearing loss can have physical, mental and social consequences.
Hearing loss has been linked to cognitive decline and dementia. Individuals with hearing loss are twice as likely to be depressed, which can lead to loneliness, anxiety and social isolation.
On the flip side, using hearing aids to treat hearing loss has been tied to a number of benefits including better health, higher income and improved social life.
What You May Not Know About Hearing Aids
With so much research about the dangers of untreated hearing loss and the benefits of hearing aids, it is confusing why so many still choose not to seek treatment. Experts suspect this is due to misinformation about hearing aids.
Below are four things you may not know about hearing aids.
They Are Advanced Medical Devices
Hearing aids have come a long way from the bulky devices your grandparents wore. Current devices are designed with looks in mind. They are now aesthetically pleasing, and some are nearly invisible. These new devices don’t compromise on function for form. These complex devices process information at lightning speed to amplify sounds, even in difficult listening environments.
Their Connectivity Has Improved
Bluetooth connectivity is practically standard in all devices on the market. This means you can connect your hearing aids to your cellphone, television, computer and any assistive listening device, such as a companion microphone. Streaming sound directly to your hearing aids helps eliminate distracting background noise, allowing you to hear in even the most difficult listening environments.
They Ditched Wasteful Batteries
Rechargeability is the wave of the future. Gone are the days of stockpiling hearing aid batteries to make sure you never ran out of power at an inopportune moment. New devices can be charged while you sleep and keep their charge for an entire day.
They Can Be Controlled by Apps
Your hearing aid now has a corresponding cellphone app. From your phone you can easily control the volume and access advanced features to adjust speech, noise and wind filters. Some even have a handy “find my hearing aid” feature built in.
To learn more about the benefits of a new hearing aid, contact the experts at Central Plains ENT today.
