If you just can’t make that decision to wear hearing aids, you’re definitely not alone! Hearing loss is a common health issue that 4.6 million Canadians face according to research supported by the Statistics Canada website [1]. Furthermore, it’s reported that hearing loss is among the fastest growing chronic conditions in Canada [2]. However, regardless of what most people think, hearing loss doesn’t just affect the elderly. A large majority of those who suffer from hearing loss experience it to an extent that adversely impacts communication.
Yet, despite the prevalence of hearing loss, experts estimate that less than 20 percent of all individuals who need hearing aids actually wear them [3].
Hearing aids provide a number of clinically proven benefits for those who wear them; including better communication and less straining to hear. Most importantly, being able to hear your best will help you stay closer to your friends and family.
If you suffer from hearing loss and are still undecided, we’ve listed the top 5 advantages of wearing hearing aids:
1. More earning power
Wearing hearing aids has the ability to greatly increase your earning potential. The Better Hearing Institute’s research revealed that hearing loss, if left untreated, can reduce annual earnings by as much as $30,000. This research also found that correcting hearing loss with hearing aids was found to reduce the risk of decreased earnings by over 90% for people with mild hearing loss, and close to 77% for those with hearing loss considered moderate-to-severe [4].
2. Gradual Cognitive Decline
Many studies have linked untreated hearing loss to a greater risk of developing dementia and reduced cognitive functioning. This decline appears the most in those who do not wear hearing aids to correct their hearing loss [5]. A study from the University of Pennsylvania found that reduced hearing loss can actually accelerate atrophy in the auditory areas of the brain making speech understanding more difficult. Fortunately, however, researchers have found that hearing aids help to slow atrophy while improving hearing ability. This further confirms that treating hearing loss with hearing aids can slow the cognitive decline associated with hearing loss [6].
3. Reduce Annoyance Related to Tinnitus
About 11.5 million Canadians experience tinnitus, a high pitched ringing or clicking noise in the ears [7]. Nearly all tinnitus cases are accompanied by hearing loss. Wearing professionally-fit hearing aids to improve hearing can reduce the annoyance of tinnitus for many with hearing loss. Some hearing aids include specially designed technology to alleviate tinnitus. Wearing hearing aids to correct hearing loss has also been shown to reduce the stress and annoyance associated with tinnitus.
4. Hearing Aid Wearers Are Satisfied With Hearing Aid Performance
Other studies have reported that 83% of those who wear hearing aids in the last year were satisfied with their purchase. It’s no surprise that newer hearing aids contribute to higher levels of satisfaction. As technology advances, the sound quality, features and overall listening experience improves. Real hearing aid patients have told us just how satisfied they are with Starkey’s hearing aids. Read our reviews page to see for yourself!
5. Better Living
Finally, people who wear hearing aids to correct their hearing loss enjoy a better quality of life than those who let hearing loss remain untreated.
Now are you ready to learn more about hearing aids? Visit our Hearing Aid page to view all our available products. And, when you’re ready to take action, we can help you book an appointment with a local professional. Call (888) 919-6824 or click here.