The holidays are an important time of the year for many, with much to look forward to. Whether that’s baking cookies, putting up decorations, or visiting the Holiday Lights Festival in the Old Market, all of us have different ways to celebrate.
One aspect of the holidays that is pretty much universal is that people are spending more time socializing with friends and family. While this is a wonderful part of the holiday season, it can also be extra stressful for people with hearing loss. Using hearing aids can help reduce that stress and let you enjoy the holidays.
How Hearing Aids Help 
The benefits of hearing aids are plentiful and exist year-round. Some of the greatest benefits of hearing aids include:
- Lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia
- Improved mental health
- Less likely to suffer from balance issues and falls
- Improved ability to focus
- Better at remembering and storing information
- Renewed confidence to navigate the world on your own
- Stronger social connections and happier relationships
- Better overall quality of life.
One study, published in The Hearing Journal examined the relationship between quality of life and hearing aid use. Among other things they found:
- Nearly 70% of patients using hearing aids reported an improved ability to communicate with others.
- 75% of patients reported that at least one area of their life was improved by wearing hearing aids.
- 90% of patients who experienced a 70% reduction in their hearing handicap reported a significant improvement in their overall quality of life.
Hearing aids make socializing and connecting with others much easier. Untreated hearing loss makes conversations hard to follow, especially in noisy environments or in situations where multiple people are speaking at once. If you have hearing loss your brain has to work that much harder to try and engage in conversation. It can be a frustrating and exhausting experience that leaves you wanting to isolate yourself from others. Hearing aids can reconnect you to your world and the people you love.
A Few Other Tips to Help You Hear Better During the Holidays
- Don’t forget to bring hearing aid batteries or a charger if you are traveling.
- Continue your regular cleaning routine to ensure your hearing aids perform their best.
- Don’t be embarrassed to ask people to repeat themselves or look directly at you when they speak so that you can follow along.
- Try and sit in a circular arrangement for holiday meals.
- Find quieter areas of the house to talk if the room you are in is too loud.
- Be patient with yourself and take breaks as needed.
To learn more about the benefits of hearing aids or to schedule an appointment with a hearing expert, contact Central Plains ENT today. Happy Holidays!
