What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss is the inability to hear clearly in one or both ears. Hearing loss is not the complete absence of sound, rather sounds seem muffled, quieter, or unclear. Approximately 48 million people in the U.S. have some degree of hearing loss, yet many wait to manage it.
Sensorineural hearing loss, the most common type of hearing loss, is unfortunately irreversible, however, it can be managed with hearing aids. When left untreated, hearing loss can negatively affect your communication, quality of life, and cognitive abilities.
Benefits of Managing Hearing Loss
When left untreated, hearing loss can negatively affect your ability to effectively communicate, it can impact your balance, and it can lead to cognitive decline. It’s best to manage hearing loss at the first signs so it does not impact your speech comprehension or cognitive abilities. Research has shown that individuals who use hearing aids to manage hearing loss have better brain health and live longer.
Although hearing aids won’t cure hearing loss, they will help you hear better and provide your brain with the necessary stimulation it needs to stay active and healthy. Hearing aids make it easier to hear in complex environments and reintroduce you to the soft sounds you may have been missing.
Don’t let hearing loss affect your quality of life. Contact New Hampshire Hearing Institute for an appointment today.
Signs of Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss often occurs gradually, over the course of a few years. For this reason, it can be difficult to identify right away. If you have noticed any of the following indicators, it may be time for a hearing check and to discuss hearing aids.
- You can hear but you lack clarity
- You frequently ask people to repeat themselves
- It’s difficult to hear when there is background noise
- It seems like people mumble
- You miss parts of the conversation
- You turn the volume up on the TV or radio louder than others like
- A loved one has suggested you have your hearing tested
