What is the Cost of Ignoring Hearing Loss?

One of the most common health problems that about 48 million people in our country suffer from to some degree is hearing loss, according to the Hearing Loss Association of America.

Hearing loss can negatively affect almost every aspect of someone’s life, regardless of age.

Here are some major consequences of ignoring hearing loss:

Untreated hearing loss can have far-reaching implications that go well beyond hearing alone that include physical health, emotional and mental health, perceptions of mental acuity, self esteem, social skills, family relationships, and school and work performance.

Hearing loss could be caused by a medical condition that is treatable; the sooner it’s checked, the better it is for someone’s overall health. Studies have also shown that hearing loss negatively affects the brain long term. Also, untreated hearing loss increases someone’s chance of developing dementia.

Hearing impairment could be a danger to the person experiencing it, who may not be able to hear warning signals as quickly (or at all) as someone with normal hearing – posing danger to others, as well.

People with hearing loss show signs of being depressed, some with tendencies to be emotionally unstable and more likely to report anxiety and paranoia; also, their families reported that they were more likely to become angry or frustrated.

Friends, family, and coworkers may avoid engaging in conversations with someone who has difficulty hearing, which can lead to social isolation, and, their relationships may be suffering – there may be arguments over what was said, what was heard, etc.

Hearing loss can affect someone’s memory, focus, and how they process information. Someone’s performance at school/training/work/etc. may be suffering – even a mild hearing loss can cause a person to miss as much as 50% of classroom discussion.

Performance at work may be at stake. People with untreated hearing loss earned on average $20,000 less a year than those who used hearing aids or cochlear implants, according to HLAA. Other studies by the Better Hearing Institute (BHI) also showed that as the severity of hearing loss increased, income decreased proportionally. And, most importantly, that wearing hearing aids was found to minimize the income effects of hearing loss by 50 percent.

In fact, the studies by BHI demonstrated that income can, indeed, increase after patients get hearing aids. Wearing the aids regularly can raise income through enhanced work productivity, as well as take people out of the job marketplace, or out of contention for promotion.

People with unaided hearing loss are more likely to fall – meaning an increased chance of major injuries and a higher risk of costly hospitalizations.

To enjoy a more fulfilling lifestyle with more vitality means not letting untreated hearing loss get in the way – invest in your well-being by getting tested and utilizing latest technologies – sleek, cutting-edge, wireless aids that provide solutions, enrich lives, and increase efficiency.

At Resonance Audiology & Hearing Aid Center, LLC, we encourage people with hearing difficulties to start wearing modern, state-of-the-art hearing aids, and to also pass this information on to family and friends who may be avoiding the issue of their hearing loss and encourage them to get a free consultation with our expert audiologists today.

Resonance Audiology & Hearing Aid Center audiologists are here to support you with superior hearing healthcare, hearing tests and aids, and Lancaster audiology services and solutions for you or your loved one – call us at: 717.925.6112.