Benefits of Using Hearing Aids to Treat Hearing Loss

Jul 01, 2016

Benefits of Using Hearing Aids to Treat Hearing Loss

In the UK, around 10 million people – one in every six – have some form of hearing loss. Despite this, Action on Hearing Loss estimate that 4 million people who could benefit from hearing aids do not wear one. Some people are put off by a long-standing idea of hearing aids as clumsy and ugly. But times have changed and as technology moves forward, hearing aids have evolved into sleek, discreet and hi-tech devices. Some hearing devices are so small that people won’t even notice you’re wearing one. Other people may be in denial that their hearing has changed and delay getting treatment. Living with untreated hearing loss can be frustrating, and it can have a negative impact on your relationships with family, friends and co-workers. Getting a hearing aid fitted can greatly improve your quality of life, your happiness and your independence. Although choosing your first hearing aid can be daunting, the benefits should outweigh any doubts you have.

Better Hearing

First and foremost, hearing aids will help you hear much better. Though they cannot fully restore normal hearing, they increase and enhance the range of sound that you have access to.

Communication

Better hearing means better communication. We’re social beings and whether we’re at work, with friends or on the phone, being able to communicate is crucial. Hearing aids improve speech intelligibility and volume, so you can take part in conversations without worry.

Relationships

Better communication means better relationships. Families and friends are often affected by a person’s hearing loss and it can lead to arguments and frustrations on both sides. Hearing aids help to reconnect you with the people around you, so you can enjoy time with your loved ones and enjoy your social life without stress.

Confidence

You’ll feel better about yourself. Many people with hearing loss can feel like they’ve lost independence and have to rely on people around them. With a hearing aid, you’ll be able to go about your day without worry. Hearing aids can restore your self-confidence and improve your mental and physical wellbeing.

Concentration

Straining to hear all day can leave you exhausted, stressed and irritable. Hearing aids relieve that strain and you’ll feel less tired. This in turn means your brain has more capacity to concentrate and remember things. Whether you’re at work or school, you’ll be able to focus and perform to your best.

Safety

When our hearing changes, we often lose the small sounds first – doorbells, alarm clocks, even the sound of birds singing. We can also miss the more important sounds, like safety warnings, fire alarms or the sound of an oncoming car. Hearing aids help to capture the details in your environment, keeping you safer and more independent.

Connectivity

State-of-the-art engineering means that hearing aids can now connect you to all the gadgets and gizmos available. They can seamlessly sync with smart devices and stream stereo sound from televisions, iPods and computers. There’s no excuse to stop enjoying the entertainment you love.

An active lifestyle

Whether you’re an avid hiker, a jazz musician or a full-time mum, you need your hearing to keep up with your activities. Hearing aids can now be personalized to fit your hearing loss and your lifestyle, so you don’t need to stop being busy.

What to do next

If you think your hearing is changing, it’s important to get a hearing test done. Getting treatment early is better for your health and allows you to get on with your life. Your GP will be able to refer you to a specialist, or you can contact one of our centres to arrange a hearing test.