Don’t Isolate Yourself: Get Your Hearing Checked – Audiology Associates

Hearing loss affects around 17 percent of adults in the U.S. Thirty percent of adults between 65 and 74 years of age and nearly 50 percent of adults ages 75 and older have some degree of hearing loss. However, only about one out of five people who should wear hearing aids actually does wear them.
Some people don’t realize how bad their hearing is, while others cannot afford hearing aids and still others feel stigma and simply aren’t ready to get hearing aids. In fact, on average, it takes adults with a recognized hearing loss between seven and ten years to decide to get a hearing aid.
Aside from missing out on all of the sounds in the world, people with untreated hearing loss are also at a much greater risk for isolation.
How does isolation happen? There are many reasons that isolation occurs among those with untreated hearing loss. First, older adults are more likely to live alone than other people. Other things can happen that lead to social isolation. Maybe a person gradually stops making phone calls or answering the phone when it rings – and in some cases becomes afraid of receiving a phone call – because he or she feels embarrassed to constantly ask “What did you say?” Phone conversations are much more difficult than face-to-face communication because there is the added difficulty of not being able to lip read.
Going to dinner with friends and family also often becomes too difficult because it’s impossible to hear anything over background noise and in low lighting where lip reading is challenging too.
Why is isolation dangerous? Much research has shown that isolation can lead to loneliness, depression and cognitive decline. Social isolation might also be a factor in the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. A study by John Hopkins researchers found that untreated hearing loss in older patients led to quicker cognitive impairment than other adults. Social connections are one of the most important factors in maintaining health and longevity.
Our audiologists are a great resource for suggestions or information. For any questions or to schedule an appointment with Kevin Bolder, Au.D. and John Davis, Au.D., please call Audiology Associates, at (661) 284-1900. Visit us at 25425 Orchard Village Road, Ste 220, Santa Clarita, CA 91355. Visit our website at www.AudiologyAssociates.net.
We are Hearing Healthcare Excellence!!