When you think about the prospect of getting hearing aids, you might think about the cost of new units. Indeed, this technology requires an investment, but what you put into getting hearing aids is far outweighed by the benefits for your health and wellbeing you will get in return. We make lots of investments in our health in small and big ways, and these gestures show that we value taking care of ourselves. Hearing health is no different, and an investment in your hearing health is a way to show yourself and those you love that you are willing to put resources into self-care.
Beyond the intangibles of self-care, however, you might be saving yourself from some serious costs down the line. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to a variety of problems for health and wellness, and your financial wellbeing might be at stake, as well. The following are a few of the returns that you can expect when you invest in your hearing health by getting hearing aids.
Physical Health
Untreated hearing loss is related to a variety of physical. health conditions, but it’s not as simple as hearing loss causing them directly. In many cases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, a third factor causes both hearing loss and this other condition at the same time. You can even think of hearing loss as a warning sign for some of these other conditions. However, in some instances, hearing loss causes worse physical health. Those who have untreated hearing loss tend to have more accidents, injuries, and falls, and experts think that the inability to hear our surroundings makes it more difficult to mobilize safely. As well, those with untreated hearing loss are more likely to make a return visit to the hospital for any given condition, and this return has to do with the struggle to communicate at the first visit.
Mental Health
Untreated hearing loss also sets off a chain reaction of poor mental health for many people. In the first place, relationships can struggle through the difficult communication process. When conversations become strained, some people find themselves declining social invitations more generally. They might even prefer not to go to public places where communication will be difficult. This tendency toward social isolation can have a detrimental effect on many aspects of wellbeing, including mental health. Without connecting to communities and loved ones, we can find ourselves anxious, lonely, and even depressed. On the other hand, getting treatment for hearing loss has shown a reduction in reports of depression, and the restored connections with loved ones and communities might be responsible for that shift.
Financial Health
Did you know that those with untreated hearing loss make less money, on average than their demographic counterparts who don’t have hearing loss? This difference might not make any sense at face value, because hearing loss doesn’t make a person any less skilled. However, communication difficulties in the workplace might be to blame. When a person is unable to communicate effectively at work, productivity can suffer, and these communication gaps can even become a safety issue in some workplaces. With this fact in mind, the cost of hearing aids becomes an even more solid investment in your wellbeing. You might even be able to put a dollar amount on the return on your investment in hearing health.
If you are concerned that you need hearing assistance but don’t know where to start in seeking help, don’t worry. All you need to do is contact our offices to set up an appointment for a hearing test and consultation. Our hearing health professionals are experts at diagnosing your needs, learning about the individual features of your condition, and recommending a range of hearing aids that are suited to you. We will guide you through the process of diagnosis, treatment, fitting, and training you to use your hearing aids once they arrive. With the many benefits for your health that come through treatment, there’s no good reason to put off starting the process. Your physical, mental, and even financial wellbeing will return far beyond what you can measure in the cost of your investment.