Good Hearing Health Supports Total Body Health
Good Hearing Health Supports Total Body Health
Many people are unaware that good hearing health is intertwined with total body health in several ways. Did you know your hearing impacts so much more than just “your hearing”? In fact, untreated hearing loss has been linked to a variety of other healthcare issues, such as social isolation, loneliness, depression, increased risk of falls, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia, and cognitive impairment.
“Most dispensing professionals recognize or may even intuitively understand the factors underlying the psychosocial consequences of hearing loss: social withdrawal and isolation, depression, reduced quality of life (QoL), and cognitive decline. The basic premise is that hearing loss can result in compromised speech comprehension, more difficult communication leading to embarrassing or mentally taxing situations, and ultimately cause the individual to withdraw from the social activities that characterize a healthy communicative lifestyle,” according to collected data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys (NHANES)
The Importance of Good Hearing Health
It is not uncommon for people to be aware that their hearing health has declined but remain hesitant to seek hearing health treatment. Unfortunately, hearing loss has gotten a bad reputation that leaves some people trying to avoid admitting they are living with hearing loss. Although there is no reason to be embarrassed, some people are embarrassed by what they see as a weakness or believe that they can “get by” without using a hearing aid. Sadly, it is all too common for people to wait years, or even decades, to take their hearing health seriously. Although you may feel a stigma with hearing loss, what is most important to remember is that untreated hearing loss may lead to many other complicated health conditions.
The Effects of Untreated Hearing Loss
There is no shortage of medical research supporting the considerable effects untreated hearing loss on the brain, in addition to the negative social, psychological, and full-body health effects. Hearing loss is not specific to gender, age, race, or any other human defining category. Hearing loss can happen at any time and any age, even childhood. According to recent research by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, “depending upon the severity, people with hearing loss may face a 36% increase in the risk of dementia and other cognitive diseases. These findings appear to reinforce the results of another recent study of 2,000 adults in which individuals with mild to moderately severe hearing loss were found to be 24% more likely than those with normal hearing to see their cognitive function diminish early.”
Both medical research and scientific evidence suggest better hearing health supports keeping sharp brain function as the aging process progresses. As more people seek hearing health solutions, aging becomes a healthier process producing a mentally sharper, healthier population.
Rhode Island Hearing Help
Physicians Hearing Solutions is Rhode island’s number one resource for everything hearing related. Our Otolaryngologists, Laryngologists, Audiologists and Hearing Instrument Specialists are here to serve the Rhode Island community’s many hearing health needs. Physicians Hearing Solutions expert team of hearing healthcare professionals are fully trained and experienced in providing all of our patients with the best hearing healthcare available today.
Offering cutting-edge hearing technology, our Otolaryngologists want you to trust that you are getting the highest quality hearing care each time you visit our offices. If you’re having a hard time with your hearing health or hearing instruments, our team can improve your experience.
Call our office today to schedule your consultation. (401) 921-0181 www.phsdocs.com