Thursday, August 18, 2016

Hearing Loss can Lead to Health Problems

More than 26 million people suffer from hearing loss; and they may be at risk of cognitive problems and even dementia.

Crystal Clear Hearing Aids

According to the National Institute on Deafness, over 36 million Americans have hearing loss. Hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic health condition facing older adults; Unfortunately, only 20% of those individuals who might benefit from treatment actually seek help. Most tend to delay treatment until they cannot communicate even in the best of listening situations.

Tragically, the impact of hearing loss is not simply measured in decibels. A survey conducted by Hearing Loss experts looked at the positive benefits of amplification and showed that hearing aid use positively affected quality of life for both the hearing aid wearer and their significant other. Furthermore, many other significant health issues have been linked to Hearing Loss.

Tragically, the impact of hearing loss is not simply measured in decibels. A survey conducted by Hearing Loss experts looked at the positive benefits of amplification and showed that hearing aid use positively affected quality of life for both the hearing aid wearer and their significant other. Furthermore, many other significant health issues have been linked to Hearing Loss.

Dementia and HL

Dr. Frank Lin at Johns Hopkins University found a strong link between Hearing Loss and risk of developing dementia. Individuals with mild hearing loss were twice as likely to develop dementia, those with moderate hearing loss were three times more likely, and those with severe hearing loss had five times the risk. While this study could not definitively conclude that treatment with hearing aids would reduce the risk of dementia, there was a positive correlation between degree of hearing loss and the risk of dementia (Lin et al., 2011).

Depression and HL

Several studies have also documented the impact of untreated hearing loss with depression due to social isolation and feelings of rejection. Many other health issues have also been attributed to HL.