Studies show that only one in five people who need hearing aids don’t acquire or wear them. Research reveals there are good solid reasons to wear hearing aids if you have hearing loss.
1) Quality of Life
Studies by the National Council of Aging, show that people who do not wear needed hearing aids, regardless of gender, age, and income, experience sadness, depression, anxiety, isolation, insecurity, and paranoia. Compare this with the increased confidence and sense of independence for those wearing hearing aids.
2) Connection
Those who wear needed hearing aides report better relationships with family and friends, including grandchildren.
3) Safety
Without hearing aids, one places themself or others in danger while walking outdoors, cooking, driving, and other simple life tasks. For example, I cannot hear the sirens of approaching emergency vehicles without my cochlear (which I should wear more often than I do). One time, while rollerskating, I caused a pile-up of folks on bikes when I did not hear their calls to move out of the way. So there I was in the middle of fallen bikes! No one was hurt, but it could have been worse. I disclose other results of my not wearing hearing aids or my cochlear in my book.
4) Property Damage
Without hearing aids, running water often goes unnoticed. I never turn on the water and walk away. I hear it; I can forget about it and cause flooding. The flooding has been minor but could easily be major if I left the house with running water. Additionally, without aids, I don’t hear fire alarms…
5) Self Esteem
When people show impatience with my limitation, it feels awful and wears on my self-esteem. So in my older, wiser years, I quickly let people know I am hard of hearing. But before that, much of my life, I would try to hide the limitation, fake it, as I couldn’t stand the pain of “rejection.”
In Conclusion
There are good reasons to wear hearing aids! Hearing loss affects what people can hear in their environment. It impacts their degree of connection with others. There is a risk of harming oneself, others, and property. And finally, not hearing well can erode an overall sense of well-being and happiness. Hearing aids may not eliminate these challenges, but they can lessen their impact.
If you think you may have a hearing loss, make it a goal in the new year to have your ears checked, and if needed, get those hearing aids!
