Losing the ability to hear properly can take a toll on you to the extent that you may slump into depression. It is particularly harder to deal with hearing loss during the formative days, as you grapple with your new reality. During this period, you might refuse to accept that you have lost your hearing, and even turn down any help that might be offered. Some people may even be reluctant to use hearing aids to gain their hearing. But hearing loss does not just affect your ears; it have significant implications on both your mental and physical health.

Reasons You Might be Reluctant to Use Hearing Aids

Studies have shown that using hearing aids can alleviate some of the psychological distress of hearing loss. Despite this, many people, especially those new to hearing loss, hesitate to use these devices. But what are the reasons behind this?

Lack of perceived benefits: Most people may think that their hearing loss is not serious enough or may not recognize the degree of their condition and thus don’t see the need for a hearing aid.

In most cases, this perception comes from lack of knowledge about the gradual nature of hearing loss and how devastating it can be, especially on our daily lives. Regardless of the level of your hearing loss, it is important to consult with a hearing care professional for a clearer understanding of the benefits of using hearing aids; particularly during the onset of your hearing loss.

Stigma or discomfort: Social stigma as well as concerns about physical discomfort can contribute to a person hesitating to use hearing aids.

But thanks to modern technologies, hearing aids today are very comfortable and discreet, with majority of them ranging from behind-the-ear to completely-in-canal. Modern advancements have reduced not only the visibility of hearing aids but also the stigma associated with wearing them.

Concerns around cost: Some people are concerned about the financial costs of acquiring a hearing aid, after all, this is a device that is supposed to help you regain your hearing abilities. A device with such capability surely doesn’t come cheap, right? Wrong. The advancements in technologies have significantly reduced the cost of manufacturing to the extent that you can find a hearing aid under $500.

Besides, there are many insurance plans that cover if not all but part of the cost. There are also various financing options including government assistant grants and hearing aid leasing. Cost shouldn’t stand on the way of regaining your hearing.

Trouble adjusting: Adjusting to wearing hearing aids can be very hard, particularly for first-time users. But don’t be hard on yourself, give your brain time to adjust to the new sounds and auditory cues of the new devices.

Consider working with a healthcare specialist such as a psychologist or hearing care professional to help you transition smoothly to the new sounds. Professionals will give you guidance that will assist you acclimatize to the new sounds and settings.

Unrealistic expectations: It is normal to have unrealistic expectations about how quickly you will adjust to hearing aid devices or how much they will restore your hearing. However, it is important to understand that it takes time to adjust to hearing aids and they may not restore your original hearing. But what is guaranteed is that they will significantly improve your auditory perception and communication abilities.

How can Hearing Aids Improve Mental Health?

Studies have consistently shown that untreated hearing loss can result in self-imposed isolation, cognitive decline, depression, and increased use of mental health services. Other studies have also demonstrated how using hearing aids can alleviate some of these negative side effects. Here is how hearing aids can improve your mental health.

Hearing Aids Reduce Your Psychological Distress

Research has shown that using hearing aids can lower the risks of moderate psychological distress in people with hearing loss. One study found that users of hearing aids had up to 34% reduced chance of developing psychological turmoil compared to non-users.

This is because using hearing aids improves your communication abilities, which in turn allows you to have better social interactions, reconnect with your friends and family, and reduce loneliness.

Hearing Aids Improve Your Cognitive Performance

Using hearing aids can maintain your mental alertness and memory. A certain study found that people with hearing loss who use hearing aids perform just as similar as those with normal hearing on cognitive test.

Hearing loss has been found to reduce cognitive performance because the brain uses more resources to process auditory information than normal, thus depriving other cognitive functions of useful resources.

But using hearing aids reverse this strain by significantly improving auditory input, which frees up the brain to perform other mental tasks.

This helps maintain cognitive alertness and reduce dementia risks.

Hearing Aids Reduce Depression Risk

Depression is one of the most common effects of losing your hearing, largely because of isolation as well as the emotional toll of struggling to communicate.

Using hearing aids can reduce the risk of sinking into depression because it will help you communicate better and take part in social interactions like before when you had normal hearing.

Since it helps you regain your lost social engagements, hearing aids can help you sustain emotional wellbeing and reduce the odds of experiencing depressive episodes.

Hearing Aids Reduce Risk of Falling in Older Adults

In addition to restoring your hearing, hearing aids can also improve your balance, especially in older adults, and reduce fall risk. Hearing is instrumental in balance and spatial awareness.

People with untreated hearing loss can find it challenging to detect subtle auditory cues that help maintain balance, which in turn increase risk of falls. But with hearing aids seemingly improving your auditory perception, it can enhance spatial awareness and therefore reduce the risk of falls and the many injuries that might have caused by it.

Hearing Aids Enhance Your Social Life

Many people with untreated hearing loss often avoid social gatherings and interactions because they cannot communicate properly or keep up with conversations. This can often cause embarrassment.

Couples or family members begin to communicate less and less, especially during the onset of hearing loss. Eventually, this leads to depression or self-imposed isolation.

Studies suggest that active and positive social interactions influence your health – both mental and physical – in a good way. Once you regain your hearing through the use of hearing aids, you can participate in any social interactions without feeling left out.

Start improving your life today by talking to us about your hearing aid needs. We have a wide range of models for every budget.