In order to live well with hearing loss, one must recognize & accept hearing loss. Specifically, many people must overcome the misplaced shame and poor self-esteem that they experienced from their haring loss.

Consequences of Untreated Hearing Loss

The impact of hearing loss is not simply measured in decibels. Hearing loss is an individual experience, and how the individual copes will depend on a great many factors, including early versus late onset, the progressive nature of the loss (gradual vs. sudden), the severity of the loss, communication demands, and personality. Regardless of the combination of these presenting factors, hearing loss has been linked to feelings of depression, anxiety, frustration, social isolation, and fatigue. Studies have shown strong evidence for the value of hearing aids in improving the quality of life of people with hearing loss. Use of hearing aids is clearly associated with impressive improvements in the social, emotional, psychological, and physical well-being of people with hearing loss.

Studies have linked untreated hearing loss to:

  • Irritability, negativism and anger
  • Fatigue from the sheer effort it takes to communicate
  • Tension, stress and depression
  • Avoidance or withdrawal from social situations
  • Social rejection and loneliness
  • Reduced alertness and increase risk to personal safety
  • Impaired memory and ability to learn new tasks
  • Reduced job performance and earning power
  • Diminished psychological and overall health
  • The increased likelihood of developing dementia over time, particularly in seniors

When people with hearing loss and their family members were asked to rate the extent to which they believed their life was improved due to hearing aid use, respondents reported significant improvements in:

  • Relationships at home and with family
  • Feelings about self
  • Life overall
  • Mental health
  • Social life
  • Emotional health

If you or a loved one have put off seeing an Audiologist for fear you might be a candidate for hearing aids, consider the outcomes listed above. Isn’t it time you enjoy a significant improvement in your life through better hearing?!

Call us at 907.789.6780 to schedule your diagnostic evaluation and hearing aid consultation!