Overcoming Stigma: The Benefits of Wearing Hearing Aids

Wearing hearing aids can come with a stigma. While it is becoming more widely accepted, some wearers may still worry that others will treat them differently. We list some of the significant benefits of hearing aids and how they can improve your life. While there might be a stigma attached to some wearers, the positives outweigh it.

Before we start, it is worth noting that wearing technology is becoming more popular than ever. Many people put wireless Bluetooth headphones in their ears to listen to music or podcasts on the go. They also augment themselves with other wearables, like health monitoring patches.

Modern hearing aids are similar in design and technology to these devices – which is ideal for helping you blend in. You can get in-the-ear hearing aids in any color you wish, with models similar to popular earphones. The benefits of wearing hearing aids are significant. Here’s how they can help improve your life.

Improved Communication and Social Interaction

Perhaps the biggest benefit of wearing hearing aids is improved communication and social interaction. You are much more likely to hear better in various situations, such as conversations, meetings, phone calls and entertainment. Hearing what’s happening around you makes it less likely you will feel isolated or frustrated. You are better able to understand the conversations around you and improve your interactions with friends, family and colleagues.

Remember, constantly asking people to repeat themselves or straining to understand what they are saying is exhausting. You may find social interactions so tiring and frustrating that you no longer want to engage in them.

Reduced Risk of Mental Health Issues

Many people with hearing loss retreat from social situations, leading to mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. Isolation and loneliness can have a profoundly negative impact on psychological and physical well-being and are associated with cognitive decline. Fortunately, wearing hearing aids can help prevent or reduce these effects by stimulating the brain and improving one’s mood and self-esteem. When the auditory cortex receives more information from the ear, it remains robust, helping you better understand what others say.

Hearing aids can also help you enjoy your hobbies and interests, such as music, movies or sports. Because you can hear what’s going on, you’re much more likely to want to leave the house and continue to do the things you love. Overall, your life becomes more pleasurable, and you feel less stuck in your head.

Better Physical Health and Safety

Another benefit of wearing hearing aids is improved physical health and safety. Maintaining your ear’s health can assist your balance and make you less prone to injuries and falls. When you regularly stimulate the biological machinery in your ear, it improves your ability to remain upright in various situations. Wearing hearing aids can assist with your balance and awareness of your surroundings, making it easier to respond to potential hazards. It also lets you respond to potential threats in your environment, including:

• Crossing roads safely and avoiding oncoming traffic.
• Hearing fire alarms.
• Being able to detect when there are other people physically close to you.

Overcoming The Stigma of Hearing Aids

If you’re still struggling to overcome the stigma of wearing hearing aids, here are some tips:

• Change your perceptions: Don’t view hearing aids as lumbering devices that are indicative of poor health. Instead, see them as devices that augment your body and help it function better than the average person’s. Consider all the features your hearing aids offer, such as wireless connectivity, directional microphones and the ability to use them to make calls.
• Seek support: You can also overcome the stigma of wearing hearing aids by seeking help. You can talk to your audiologist or join a support group of people who wear hearing aids and share their experiences.
• Embrace the benefits: Finally, you can embrace the benefits of wearing hearing aids. Remind yourself daily how they help you hear better in various situations, communicate more confidently and easily with family and maintain your cognitive functions.

If you want to learn more about the benefits of wearing hearing aids and how they can help manage your hearing loss, talk with one of our audiologists. Our team can guide you through your options based on your clinical diagnosis and find the right device for you. Call our team at Arkansas Professional Hearing Care at (501) 588-0177 to schedule an appointment.