Efficient Hearing Advocates Healthy Bodies & Healthy Minds

Health professionals abroad have been shifting much of their attention to hearing loss. Back in 2003, a group of medical professionals embarked on a 5-year research project that sought to explore hearing loss and its effects on a group of adults whose average age was 69. With various medical examinations, the group of doctors found that older adults who suffered from, and did not treat, hearing loss were subjected to a lower quality of life; thus, an unhealthier and shorter life. Stress and anxiety were prominent in hearing loss cases, and both conditions wreak havoc on the circulatory system. The latter is significantly harmful to our bodies, especially those who are older in age. However, research has delved deeper into hearing loss, and more recently doctors are finding that hearing loss does not just negatively affect the body, but it also negatively effects the mind.

The American Psychological Association reported a study that observed 2,304 patients suffering from hearing loss. The results presented staggering information. Those who used hearing aids showed more interest in social gatherings, proving to be more engaged with their surroundings, and more active in their lives. The study also found that subjects who lacked hearing aids were more susceptible to minor and severe depression; 50% more susceptible in comparison to their hearing aid wearing counterparts. So, if hearing aids are the solution to hearing loss, then why is there such a problem still? There are two words that answer such a query: denial and unawareness.

Most people who suffer from hearing loss are either unaware due to the un-detective nature of moderate hearing loss, or they are in denial; the latter is common among younger people. It is dire that people stay educated about hearing loss, and to seek medical tests and/or aids if necessary.

As dedicated medical professionals, we feel that it is our duty to educate the public about hearing loss. We encourage people to acknowledge and act, so here is some more information about this commonly ignored problem:

• On average, adults who suffer from hearing loss wait 10 years to seek treatment. That’s 10 years of a hindered life!
• Only 46% of people who suffer from hearing loss have sought treatment between 2011 and 2016. This means that more than half of those who suffer from hearing loss are not getting the treatment they need!
• It has been reported that 1 in every 6 Americans suffers from hearing loss, which is nearly 54.5 million people!
• Cognitive tests show that older adults with moderate hearing had substantially poorer memory, executive functionality, and language skills.
• Adults with hearing loss are significantly more prone to moderate and severe depression. 11.4% of reported hearing loss cases correlated to moderate or severe depression. Only 5.9% of those who do not have hearing loss report moderate or severe depression.

Our hearing is a passageway to the beauty in which we live. The roaring of ocean shores, the gentle ripple of an early morning lake, the soft whistle of a nearby bird—these things would not be possible without our hearing. So, if you’re hard of hearing, don’t let yourself disconnect from the world. Stop suffering today with Hear in Harmony. We are here to help; it’s what we do.