One of the biggest consequences of untreated hearing loss is that it makes it harder to communicate and socialize with others. Treating your hearing loss with hearing aids allows you to stay connected and keep your relationships with others strong.
Hearing Loss Affects Your Confidence When Interacting with Others
Hearing loss makes it much more difficult to understand what people are saying. This can happen when you’re on the phone, in a meeting with work, or when out shopping at Peninsula Town Center. You may start to find yourself feeling anxious at the thought of engaging with other people because you’re afraid of misunderstanding what they say. You may also start to experience listening fatigue and become tired easily after interacting with others.
These feelings can prevent you from doing the things you want, like going out with friends, joining a new book club or being involved in a committee at work.
Untreated Hearing Loss Can Cause Relationships To Suffer
Hearing loss can also negatively affect your existing relationships, especially those with a spouse or partner. Whether it’s because of frequent miscommunications or them feeling as though you aren’t listening to them, your ability to connect with one another can be impacted.
This can make you feel frustrated and isolated from others.
Hearing Aids Help You Stay Social
Research has shown that hearing aids improve your ability to connect with others. A 2021 study examining social behaviors and listening fatigue in people with hearing loss found that social activity levels increased and social participation restriction decreased significantly after getting fitted for hearing aids.
The right pair of hearing aids can help you feel confident in your ability to hear and engage in conversations with others without worrying about missing things. Treating your hearing loss lets you maintain your relationship with family and friends and build new social connections.
Other Hearing Aid Benefits
In addition to keeping you socially active, hearing aids have numerous other benefits. These include:
- Lower risk of balance issues and injuries from fall
- Improved mental health
- Decreased risk of cognitive decline and dementia
To experience the full range of benefits hearing aids have to offer, call Hampton Roads ENT ~ Allergy today and schedule an appointment.