Table of Contents
Introduction
Hold on, before you put those hearing aids away, hear this! Even with the right fit, some people end up not using their hearing aids as much as they should. Instead of helping them hear better, stay healthy, and connect with others, the devices end up sitting unused in a drawer.
If this sounds like you or someone you care about, you’re not alone. A study from the UK found that 1 in 5 people with hearing aids don’t use them. But going without your hearing aids can affect more than just your hearing, it can also impact your overall health. So, it’s important to make sure you’re using them every day.
5 Reasons to Wear Your Hearing Aids
1. Hearing Loss Is a Chronic Condition
Just like you wouldn’t skip treatment for conditions like asthma, diabetes, or cataracts, it’s just as important to take hearing loss seriously. Hearing loss is actually one of the most common chronic health issues out there, and it often gets worse over time if it’s not properly addressed. The longer you go without treating it, the harder it becomes to fix or manage effectively. Ignoring it doesn’t just mean missing out on conversations, it can also lead to other problems, like social isolation, frustration, and even mental health challenges. Taking action early, whether it’s with hearing aids or another treatment, can help you stay connected and maintain a good quality of life.
2. Dementia Risk Increases With Hearing Loss
Did you know that hearing loss can lead to isolation and put a strain on your brain, which could increase your chances of developing cognitive decline or even dementia? It’s a pretty big deal. But here’s some good news: a study released last year found that using hearing aids and getting audiologic counseling actually slowed cognitive decline by almost 50% in older adults who were at a higher risk. That means something as simple as wearing your hearing aids and getting the right support could make a huge difference in protecting your brain and overall well-being.
3. Tackling Hearing Loss Can Relieve Tinnitus
A lot of people don’t know that hearing loss is actually one of the main causes of tinnitus—the constant ringing, buzzing, or humming in your ears. In fact, it’s involved in about 90% of tinnitus cases. The good news, though, is that hearing aids can do more than just improve your hearing. In some cases, they can also help reduce tinnitus symptoms by helping your brain focus on sounds other than the annoying ringing. So, wearing your hearing aids might give you some relief from that persistent noise.
4. Untreated Hearing Loss and Falling Are Linked
The inner ear is responsible for both hearing and balance, so it makes sense that hearing loss can increase your risk of falling. Even just mild hearing loss can triple your chances of a fall. But here’s a bright spot: a study from the University of Michigan found that using hearing aids can actually lower the risk of fall-related injuries by 13% in older adults. So, wearing your hearing aids doesn’t just help you hear better—it can also help keep you safer on your feet.
5. With Hearing Loss, Depression Can Set In
Studies have shown that older adults with hearing loss are 47% more likely to experience depression. On the flip side, adults who use hearing aids often report a noticeable improvement in their mental health. One study even found that hearing aid use can significantly reduce the chances of depression. So, treating hearing loss not only helps with hearing but can also boost your mood and overall well-being.
Tips for Wearing Your Hearing Aids
At first, getting used to wearing hearing aids every day might feel like a challenge. But skipping out on the technology your hearing care provider recommended can have real consequences. Hearing doesn’t usually get better on its own, and not using your hearing aids means your brain isn’t getting the sounds it needs to stay sharp. Over time, that could lead to more issues down the road, making it even harder to manage your hearing loss.
Here are some tips to help you integrate your hearing aids into your everyday routine:
Keep them powered up: Regularly charge or replace the batteries in your hearing aids to ensure your technology is ready when you need it.
Familiarize yourself with potential features: Take the time to learn about the features of your hearing aids, such as noise reduction, directional microphones, audio streaming, and automated settings. Understanding how to use these features can enhance your hearing experience.
Attend follow-up appointments: Schedule follow-up appointments with your hearing care provider to fine-tune your devices, resolve any concerns, and ensure that the technology is still meeting your needs.
Optimize your listening environment: Create a listening environment that is conducive to hearing. This can include limiting background noise, facing the person speaking, and leveraging captions if necessary. These strategies can further support engagement and improve your ability to hear and understand.
Stay patient and persistent: It may take some time to adjust to wearing hearing aids. Be patient with yourself and give yourself time to adapt. Over time, you’ll likely find that using them becomes second nature as your ability to hear and understand sounds improves.
Remember, wearing your hearing aids regularly is key to keeping your hearing health in check. Don’t let them gather dust in a drawer, take advantage of the benefits they offer and make them a part of your everyday life. Your hearing, and overall well-being, will thank you!
For more tips on wearing your devices, contact our Essential Hearing Care team at https://essentialhearingcare.com/. We’re here to help you on your journey to better hearing.
