It takes an average of seven years for patients to seek treatment after first noticing hearing loss symptoms. People avoid seeking hearing loss treatment for many reasons, from feeling that their condition isn’t advanced enough to being concerned about how hearing aids will look. While these worries are normal, the negative effects of ignoring hearing loss carry significant weight. Let’s explore the consequences of untreated hearing loss and how effective treatment can make a difference.
Hearing Loss Is a Lonely Condition
Hearing loss is often described as an invisible condition. This invisibility comes from two places. First, you can’t see hearing loss. Second, the communication difficulties hearing loss causes can make you feel invisible. Hearing loss can gradually cause social withdrawal, leading to a significant increase in feelings of loneliness and psychological discomfort. Over time, it can feel like putting yourself in high-communication situations isn’t worth the effort. This is where hearing aids step in. These remarkable devices collect and amplify speech sounds, allowing you to reconnect with your loved ones.
Untreated Hearing Loss May Lead to Faster Cognitive Decline
A Johns Hopkins study that tracked 639 adults over 12 years found the following dementia risk statistics:
- Mild hearing loss doubles the risk of dementia
- Moderate hearing loss tripled the risk of dementia
- Profound hearing loss increased the risk of dementia more than five times
Your brain is a muscle requiring regular stimulation. Just as skipping your afternoon runs at Woodin Glen Park can leave your legs feeling weak, a lack of auditory stimulation can lead to faster brain decline. Hearing aids provide essential stimulation that can help prevent cognitive decline.
Untreated Hearing Loss is a Safety Risk
Untreated hearing loss can soften the essential warning information you need to move about the world safely. Whether they’re alerting you to oncoming sirens or amplifying a stranger’s cry of “DUCK” as an errant frisbee comes your way, hearing aids can bring you the safety information you need in real time.
Take Action Today
Don’t wait seven years to seek help. Contact Hearing Advancement Center today to schedule an appointment with our specialists and start your journey towards better hearing and improved well-being.
