{"id":818,"date":"2020-08-07T15:26:02","date_gmt":"2020-08-07T15:26:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aaronshearingcare.com\/?p=818"},"modified":"2022-01-27T22:04:03","modified_gmt":"2022-01-27T22:04:03","slug":"hearing-aids-the-hidden-cost-of-waiting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aaronshearingcare.com\/hearing-aids-the-hidden-cost-of-waiting\/","title":{"rendered":"Hearing Aids: The Hidden Cost of Waiting"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

More than 48 million Americans live with hearing loss, but only about 20 percent choose to treat their condition. Many elect not to wear hearing aids because of the stigma associated with the devices or they simply believe they can get along fine without them. But experts agree that hearing aids can do more than just improve your hearing; they can better many aspects of your life and prevent the development of disorders associated with untreated hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Untreated Hearing Loss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Numerous studies have linked untreated hearing loss<\/a> with an increased risk of cognitive decline. This is most likely because hearing loss disrupts the neurotransmitters in the memory region of the brain known as the hippocampus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A 2019 study connected age-related hearing loss with an increased risk of depression<\/a>. The researchers speculated that hearing loss can also make someone less social, leading to social isolation and loneliness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maria Freitas, an audiologist at Massachusetts Eye and Ear explains, \u201cUnfortunately, many people with hearing loss tend to isolate themselves and discontinue participation in social activities rather than seeking professional help to address their hearing needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other side of this, research presented at the 2019 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference found that older individuals with wore hearing aids saw improvements in their working memory, concentration and attention skills. Additional studies have also suggested a link between wearing hearing aids<\/a>, improving speech and experiencing fewer fall-related injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Get Hearing Aids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first step toward getting hearing aids is to schedule an appointment with an audiologist. They will conduct a series of hearing tests to measure how well you can hear different sounds at various frequencies and pitches in each ear. These tests may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n