As we get older, our chance of developing hearing loss increases. Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, affects approximately one in three people in the U.S. between the ages of 65 and 74, and nearly half of those older than 75. You can’t prevent age-related hearing loss, but you can prepare for it and set yourself up for a smooth transition into hearing aids.
One of the signature things older people with hearing loss worry about, and that you might encounter yourself, is the effect hearing loss has on independence.
How Can Hearing Loss Impact Independence?
A 2014 workshop released from the National Academies Press (US) found that people with hearing loss were more likely to rely on community and informal support systems, and that this reliance increased as the severity of hearing loss progressed.
Support systems can take many forms, such as inviting a friend to join you on a grocery trip, asking a family member to attend a doctor’s appointment with you or connecting with others through hearing loss support groups. These kinds of connections are practical ways to stay engaged and supported through daily life, but it’s also natural to want to maintain independence.
For some people, needing extra help can feel like a difficult adjustment. Hearing aids can help bridge that gap by making everyday communication easier, giving you the confidence to move about your day while still enjoying the support of the people around you.
How Hearing Aids Help You Retain Your Independence
There are two main ways hearing aids can bolster your independence:
- Amplified speech. Hearing aids pick up and convert speech to match your specific volume and frequency needs. They can help you interact with your doctor, hear the correct total for your groceries at the Evansville Schnucks and meet up with your friends without worrying about how you’ll communicate.
- Background awareness. Hearing loss can dull essential safety sounds like fire alarms or fellow drivers honking in an intersection. Hearing aids amplify these essential sounds, so you don’t have to worry that you’re missing safety cues.
Getting your first pair of hearing aids sets you up for a more independent, connected life. For more information about the benefits of these devices or to schedule your hearing aid consultation, contact Hearing Healthcare Center, Inc. today.