Hearing loss affects approximately 48 million people or 20% of all Americans, making it very likely that hearing loss could happen to you. The likeliness becomes greater as we age, with one in three over 65 dealing with hearing loss and over half by the time we reach 75.
Americans are now living longer and richer lives, with the potential to enjoy friends, families, hobbies and activities into the late years of life. This is especially true when you choose to acknowledge the reality of your hearing loss.
Don’t Put Off Dealing with Hearing Issues
Hearing loss is not just an issue with your ears, but also a communication issue. Untreated hearing loss affects how you communicate with the people in your life and your ability to participate and succeed in the things that help you feel engaged and connected.
When hearing loss goes ignored your relationships can become strained. Constant communication can erode trust and reliance at home and at work. These relationships help us feel connected and improve our sense of self. When we feel good about ourselves, we are more likely to put ourselves in new situations, which add richness and excitement to our lives. We can stay active, healthy and engaged for many years.
Hearing loss can be treated rather effectively with hearing aids. Hearing aids amplify sounds we struggle with so we can hear them again. This is an advantage that most of us do not want to go without. When you can hear your friends, family and remain active due to hearing aids you can continue to live the life you love for years to come.
Let Go of the Stigma!
Even with overwhelming studies into the positive side effects of hearing loss, only 20% of people who could benefit from hearing aids choose to wear them. Many put off treating their hearing on average for ten years from the time they suspect they have a hearing loss. It’s important to understand that if you have hearing loss it is not your fault.
Even if you wear hearing protection in any loud situation that could impact your ears, there are so many different causes of hearing loss, including head trauma, environmental factors and family genetics.
Any shame or stigma around hearing loss should instead be replaced with investing in your existing hearing so you can enjoy your life to the fullest into your golden years. If hearing loss is your current reality, just remember that you are certainly not alone and that there are steps you can take now in many cases to try to limit further hearing damage now.
A Feast for Your Ears
Many are finding that physical health, mental health and hearing health are connected. For instance there are many studies linking hearing health and a healthy blood pressure. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can constrict blood vessels, limiting oxygen to important parts of the body, including your inner ears. Your inner ears rely on an ample supply of blood to the inner ear to support the fragile nerves and cells that send sound information to the brain.
However what you eat can make a big difference in protecting your total health, including your hearing. Eating healthy with recommended diets such as the anti-inflammatory, AMED (Alternate Mediterranean) and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) can significantly slow the onset of age-related hearing loss.
These diets favor high intake of vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans and fish, while eliminating processed foods and those high in saturated fats, which can clog blood vessels. This, combined with an active lifestyle, with regular exercise for at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise daily can significantly reduce your risk of sustaining hearing health as you age.
Seeking Treatment for Hearing Loss
Those who avoid wearing hearing aids increase their risk of developing depression, anxiety, insomnia and isolation due to communication issues. In addition, those who forgo hearing issues increase their risk of accidents, falls and hospitalizations due to a lack of awareness of the environment around you. Don’t let hearing loss impact your golden years of life. Invest in your hearing health today and schedule a hearing test with us today!