The Link Between Life Expectancy And Hearing Loss

Unfortunately, there comes a time when getting grey hair is expected. Along with this comes the realization that you are getting older and other things will begin to dwindle. It is thought that at least one in three adults will experience some form of hearing loss by the time they reach 70. This is becoming increasingly common and there is no real reason behind it. Your ears fade over time just like your eyesight does.

However, there is a link between life expectancy and hearing loss. As you age, you lose a lot of friends around you. This may be due to losing them to old age or illness or simply growing apart. This can lead to isolation and loneliness when this happens other parts can deteriorate rather quickly. This includes your brain, if you are not stimulating it with social meets or mental challenges then you may find yourself missing out on a lot.

When To See an Expert

If your family and friends pop over and they complain that your TV or radio is too loud then it may be time to visit an audiologist. You may think you are talking at a normal volume but in fact, you are shouting because you cannot hear your own voice. This is not good for you or others around you, so the first port of call is to visit your doctor.

When you visit your audiologist they will do a quick check to make sure that the hearing loss is not caused by a build-up of wax in the ear. If they suspect you are experiencing hearing loss caused by something else then they will refer you to an audiologist.

An audiologist will conduct various hearing examinations. This is completely painless, and they ask you to press a button each time you hear a sound. The sounds played are at different decibels, the audiologist is checking to see how much of your hearing is missing.

If the results come back that you need hearing aids, then they will do their best to guide you through this process.

Why Hearing Aids

Hearing aids will make your life so much easier, and you can expect to live a long, happy, fulfilled life as you won’t feel alienated from your close friends and relatives. You can of course choose not to accept the offer of hearing aids. If you feel you cope okay without them and are not missing out on anything then you can carry on.

Hearing aids will make a world of difference though, the sound amplified to your ears is amazing. You can always try hearing aids out first and if you decide you don’t like them then you don’t have to carry on using them.

If you decide to wear hearing aids then you will have a fitting appointment with your audiologist where they can ensure that the aids are comfy and fit right in your ears. They will have to fiddle with the sound settings to make sure the sound entering your ears through the hearing aid isn’t too harsh for you. If you have gone a little while without hearing anything they may start you off gently and build up the sound gradually.

Aftercare

There is a little aftercare to hearing aids that is worth mentioning. Your audiologist should go through this with you anyway. You need to make sure that you remove your hearing aids when you are showering, bathing, swimming or going to bed. Your hearing aids are not waterproof, they will be sweatproof and shower resistant but not fully waterproof. Wearing them in the rain is absolutely fine, however not in a swimming pool.

When you remove them, they should be put back in their little storage case so they don’t get lost or damaged. People have been known to steal hearing aids, so make sure when they are taken out, they are put somewhere safe out of sight if you are in a public place.

Occasionally you will need to change the batteries on your hearing aids. This is relatively simple and your audiologist will show you how to do it at your fitting appointment. Stock up as you always need to have a supply in case they die unexpectedly.

People who have had hearing aids and continue to wear them day to day have nothing but positive things to say about wearing them. It is always better to try and say you didn’t like them than to not try at all. If you are interested in getting hearing aids then contact Arkansas Professional Hearing Care, call us today at (501) 588-0177.