Hearing health is more than hearing
Research throughout the past couple of decades has proven that hearing health has a significant impact on overall health. Hearing loss is associated with balance problems, falls, social isolation, loneliness, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline. Healthy hearing may provide you with physical and mental health benefits in the following ways:
- It is said that communication is the foundation of relationships. Good hearing health eliminates the frustration of missing out on conversations and being isolated from social situations and the people that you love, which reduces your risk of social isolation and depression.1
- Healthy hearing is also connected with positive benefits on brain functioning and retaining memory. In a 2020 longitudinal study published in The Lancet, wearing hearing aids to treat hearing loss was the greatest modifiable risk factor associated with cognitive decline for those over the age of 45.2 Several other recent studies have also linked declining hearing abilities to an increased risk of cognitive decline.3,4
- Good hearing creates independence and security. When you're able to hear your phone ring, the doorbell, or the cry of a child you are able to be aware of your surroundings and keep your loved ones safe.
- Hearing well can save you thousands of dollars annually in additional health care costs. The impact of untreated hearing loss includes a higher risk for hospitalization. Those with untreated hearing loss are 50% more likely to experience hospital stays and have a 44% higher risk of being readmitted to the hospital within 30 days.5
- Healthy hearing increases job security by allowing you to remain connected with colleagues and clients, reduces your risk of listening fatigue, and improves your chances of having higher earnings than those with untreated hearing loss. On average, those with hearing loss make 25% less than those with healthy hearing.6
Not only can our ears provide us with positive health and security benefits, but they can also signal that there may be an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed. Because our hearing relies on good circulation, hearing loss can be an early sign of diabetes7 or cardiovascular issues8. Listen to your ears! A simple hearing test should be added to your healthcare routine to stay vital and aware of your overall health.
Signs of Hearing Loss
In recent research by the Hearing Industries Association (HIA), it was found that on average, people wait four years before acting on their hearing loss after they notice there may be an issue.9 During this time, many people rely on coping mechanisms such as avoiding certain social situations, hobbies, and phone conversations, asking others to repeat themselves or speak louder, as well as adjusting the volume on the TV and other electronics.
Hearing loss may occur gradually over time, and it's important to act as soon as you notice (or are told by family members) that your hearing may be getting worse. The following symptoms may indicate that you should have your hearing checked:
- Occasionally thinking others are mumbling or speaking too softly
- Having trouble hearing over the phone
- Inappropriately responding to others after misunderstanding what was said
- Frequently being told that your TV or radio is too loud
- Constant roaring, ringing, or hissing in your ears
- Finding it difficult to hear or understand conversations with more than two people
- Needing others to repeat themselves regularly
- Avoiding crowded places and restaurants because of difficulty hearing
If you are experiencing one or more of the symptoms above, visit a hearing professional to have your hearing tested. The results will help you understand your level of hearing loss, if present, and a professional can guide you to the best treatment options for your hearing and lifestyle needs.
References:
1 Why depression and untreated hearing loss are linked. (2020). Retrieved 3 May 2022, from https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/52437-The-complex-link-between-depression-and-hearing-loss
2 Livingston, G. et. al, (2020). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care. The Lancet© 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30367-6
3 Lin, Frank R. et al, (2011). Hearing Loss and Incident Dementia Arch Neurol. 2011;68(2):214-220. doi:10.1001/archneurol.2010.362
4 Loughrey DG, et. al, (2018). Association of age-related hearing loss with cognitive function, cognitive impairment, and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg.; 144: 115-126
5 "Patients with Untreated Hearing Loss Incur Higher Health Care Costs Over Time: Johns Hopkins." (2018) Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2018/patients-with-untreated-hearing-loss-incur-higher-health-care-costs-over-time
6 Hogan, Michelle (2013). Hearing Loss Linked to Unemployment, Lower Income, The Hearing Journal - Volume 66 - Issue 2 - doi: 10.1097/01.HJ.0000427556.02475.44
7 Hearing Loss Is Common in People with Diabetes. (2008). National Institute of Health. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hearing-loss-common-people-diabetes
8 Clason, Debbie. (2020) "Hearing Loss and Heart Disease." Healthy Hearing, https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/52833-Hearing-loss-and-heart-health
9 Powers TA, Carr K. MarkeTrak 2022: Navigating the changing landscape of hearing healthcare. Hearing Review. 2022;29(5):12-17.