Difficulty hearing is more common than you may realize. In the United States alone, roughly 50 million people report having some form of hearing loss, and the numbers look especially bad for the AARP crowd. According to some estimates, as many as one in three people over the age of 65 have a significant degree of hearing loss.
But while hearing loss affects both sexes relatively equally, men in particular often avoid seeking treatment. This phenomenon is not limited solely to issues related to hearing loss either. Men are notoriously stubborn when it comes to their health, and studies have shown that single men are less likely to go to the doctor than their married counterparts.
When it comes to hearing loss, the reluctance to get help may stem from simple vanity. Hearing aids and other assistive devices, come with a negative stigma, and they can be seen as a sign of weakness. Still, getting help with hearing loss is incredibly easy, and men who fail to do it often pay a stiff price.
Treating Hearing Loss
The process for obtaining hearing aids is relatively straightforward. First, you'll need to get your hearing tested by a trained audiologist so that you know what type of treatment you need. If significant hearing loss is discovered, then hearing aids will likely be required, and your physician can help you determine what kind of features and options you'll need to help correct your specific hearing loss.
Be advised, however, that hearing aids can be expensive. A single device can cost upwards of $4,000, but most providers will discount the second hearing aid. Also, hearing treatments aren't covered under Medicare or most private insurance plans, so the bulk of the cost will have to come out-of-pocket.
The Importance of Treatment
Despite these downsides, it's unwise to let your hearing decline go untreated. Numerous studies show that people with hearing loss tend to withdraw from social activities, leading to isolation and depression. Additionally, a loss of hearing is often linked to a more rapid cognitive decline, as a lack of auditory stimuli leads to brain atrophy.
And remember, once you start treatment you shouldn't expect your hearing to return perfectly all at once. For starters, your brain will need time to adjust to the digitally altered sound, especially if you've been suffering from hearing loss for a while. Also, since hearing aids amplify all sounds, a lot of new users find them overwhelming, especially in crowded, noisy areas. So be patient.
Hearing loss can dramatically impact your quality of life. If you've noticed a change in your hearing, then take steps to correct the problem before it gets worse.
If you or someone you know would like to learn more about hearing loss and how to treat it, please feel free to schedule a consultation or contact one of our representatives today!
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