Monday, August 6, 2018

What’s the real value of hearing aids?

“Well,” said the new hearing aid user as he drew a deep breath, “my hearing loss cost me three friendships that I know of, a strained relationship with my wife, two grandchildren who think I don’t understand them, boredom at church, and lost interest in attending get-togethers.” After a reflective pause, he added: “Sure I invested some money to get these hearing aids... but it doesn’t compare with what it cost before I got them!”

It’s true; hearing aids are not a low-cost investment.  But when you consider what hearing loss has or can cost you, the investment pales in comparison.  In this article I will cover the four main areas of life that untreated hearing loss can dramatically impact. 

Typically, the people you live with are also affected by untreated hearing loss. So it’s no surprise that patients and their spouses often report that even a mild hearing loss can put strain on a marriage.  When everyday conversation becomes a little difficult, the television becomes too loud and one person is asking for repetition, blaming the misunderstanding on the other’s mumbling, even the most loving couples will get frustrated.  The person with the loss doesn’t recognize the gradual changes in hearing and their spouse has had to alter their normal conversation style to compensate for the other’s hearing loss.  In most cases, today’s hearing technology and implementing some basic communication strategies will remedy daily life frustrations for both of you.

If family members are noticing that you’re having trouble hearing, it’s a good bet that your friends are too.  You may notice that you are straining to hear conversations on the golf course or playing bridge.  You may “fake it” by nodding when you really didn’t understand what was being said, or laugh at the punch line of a joke that you didn’t hear.  The authenticity of the relationship starts to shift.  A change in hearing seems to be a taboo subject for many people.  If a friend does mention something about your hearing, consider it’s true. If someone has the capacity to show this concern, they are a caring friend.  If misunderstandings from hearing deficits become the joke of the day, handle it with grace… you may laugh as well, but the true message is, your hearing is not keeping up with the rest of your life; it’s time to measure your hearing abilities.  

When you have a reduction in hearing, more effort is needed to follow conversations in background noise and at some point the amount of effort to understand becomes too taxing.  Without even knowing it, the change in your hearing will cause you to change your lifestyle as you start reconsidering dinner invitations, parties and other outings.  Going out to dinner, enjoying a party, sporting event, movie or interest group doesn’t seem like as much fun when you can’t follow conversation.  Often, I hear people say they don’t enjoy certain groups anymore, only to discover that it really is about their communication breakdown not a lack of interest in the group itself.  Untreated hearing loss leads to isolation, negativity, and depression. Ultimately, what makes life worth living are the relationships we have. 

We all know that your brain is what works your body parts.  So what works your brain?  One thing that stimulates your brain is the sound that is received through your ears.  If your hearing decreases, so does the stimulation to your brain.  Hearing typically decreases at such a gradual rate that you barely notice it, if you notice it at all.  The longer you wait to treat hearing loss, the more difficult it is for your brain to use the information it receives.  Recent studies show a correlation in cognitive decline and untreated hearing loss. Most people get their eyes and general health monitored annually.  When was the last time you had your hearing checked?  Get it done today…there is no substitute for healthy hearing. 

At Gilliom Audiology we offer complimentary hearing checks.  We encourage you to bring a loved one with you; it’s important that they are part of your diagnosis and treatment process.

So what are hearing aids really worth?  Your relationships?  Your health?  Your lifestyle?  It’s your decision.