We received an email from one of our patients titled saying, ”I want to express my sincere gratitude because from the first day that I went with you, I felt very confident and I was sure that they would give me the help that I needed so much. After I lost my hearing, I always looked that attention and support that I found with you. Words can’t describe how thankfull I am. Sincerely.. Maria”
This email is just one example of hearing aids improving not only quality of life but also safety. Hearing aids improve safety in many ways. You need hearing when walking along busy streets to avoid passing cars. You need hearing to notice your cooking timer going off and avoid burning your dinner or starting a fire. You need hearing to answer a doorbell or respond to a security system when an intruder attempts to enter. Finally, you need hearing to recognize the calls for help of a loved one who has fallen in the house.
Research shows that treated hearing loss dramatically decreases the risk of falling. A study by Frank Lin, M.D, Ph.D. using data collected from 2001 through 2004 concluded that people with mild hearing loss were three times more likely to have a history of falling than someone with normal hearing. Lin states that the potential reason for this risk may be the amount of cognitive load the brain is taking.
Our ability to hear enables us to communicate and be more aware of the world around us. Millions of people with untreated hearing loss are unknowingly putting their safety and the safety of others at risk. If you or someone you know has untreated hearing loss, consider the risks of delaying or avoiding hearing aids. Getting hearing aids could be the lifesaver you never knew you needed.
Sources:
https://pubs.asha.org/doi/abs/10.1044/2021_AJA-20-00179
