Can Hearing Aids Help You Live Longer?
You may have come across recent studies highlighting the connection between hearing health, cognitive function, and overall lifestyle. These findings are not only intriguing but also crucial for understanding the broader impacts of hearing loss.
Can Hearing Aids Help You Live Longer?
Jul 23, 2024
You may have come across recent studies highlighting the connection between hearing health, cognitive function, and overall lifestyle. These findings are not only intriguing but also crucial for understanding the broader impacts of hearing loss.
If you've been contemplating whether to get your hearing tested, the answer is unequivocally yes! Regular health checkups are common practice for vision, dental, and general physical health, so why should your hearing be any different?
Interestingly, a recent study suggests that using hearing aids might actually extend your lifespan. Conducted by Dr. Janet Choi from the University of Southern California, the study examined nearly 10,000 participants with hearing loss.
The results show that those who regularly used hearing aids had a 24 percent lower risk of mortality compared to those who did not use hearing aids at all.
The Connection Between Hearing Aids and Life Expectancy
Hearing loss, if left untreated, has been linked to several severe health issues, including cognitive decline, social isolation, harmful falls, and physical frailty. Hearing aids, coupled with professional hearing care, can mitigate these risks.
Dr. Choi’s study highlights that while hearing aids are not a magic bullet for longevity, their regular use significantly lowers the risk of mortality among individuals with hearing loss. The study underscores the importance of integrating hearing aids into daily life to reap their full benefits.
Unfortunately, many people do not use their hearing aids consistently. In Choi’s study, only 12 percent of participants wore their hearing aids regularly outside the study period.
Hearing loss progresses gradually, making it easy to overlook the necessity of daily hearing aid use. However, consistent use, along with regular ear cleanings and hearing assessments, can vastly improve both hearing and overall health.
Why Timely Intervention Matters
Many individuals delay seeking help for hearing loss, often waiting up to seven years before addressing their hearing challenges. This delay can lead to missing critical parts of conversations, music, TV shows, and important sounds in daily life, which can negatively impact mental and physical health.
The stigma associated with hearing aids also plays a role in this hesitation. However, modern hearing aids are far from the clunky devices of the past. Today's advanced technology offers sleek, often invisible options that are both effective and discreet.
The Benefits of Professional Hearing Care
Professional hearing care goes beyond just fitting you with hearing aids. Comprehensive hearing assessments at Allison Audiology examine potential causes of hearing loss, such as family history, genetics, infections, noise exposure, and earwax buildup. After a thorough evaluation, you can choose the best treatment path tailored to your needs.
Enhanced hearing improves safety, particularly for those who commute or navigate busy environments. It also enhances social interactions, allowing you to participate fully in conversations, enjoy music, and engage in activities, all of which contribute to better mental health and happiness.
Hearing loss affects approximately 38 million Americans, yet only one in three seek professional help. Investing in hearing care can make a significant difference in your quality of life and longevity.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Hearing
If you’re considering professional hearing care and the potential benefits of hearing aids, we encourage you to take action today.
Schedule a comprehensive hearing assessment with Allison Audiology to determine the best course of care for your hearing needs.
Concerned About Your Hearing?
If you’re thinking about how hearing aids and professional hearing care could benefit you, schedule a comprehensive hearing assessment with us today.
You can also request a callback to discuss the best care options for you.
Call us at (713) 827-1767 to book your appointment.
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Dr. Jana Emola-Austin discovered her passion for audiology while pursuing graduate studies at the University of North Texas. As owner of Allison Audiology, she's dedicated to improving patients' lives through better hearing and innovative technology. Outside the office, Jana enjoys time with her family, two dogs, cooking, and coastal getaways along the Texas Gulf Coast.
