Understanding Hearing Loss
Hearing loss—or hearing impairment—is a reduction in your ability to hear. It can happen gradually or relatively quickly. At Beltone, we want to help you understand hearing loss and find the right solution.
Dementia
Multiple major studies have found a connection between hearing loss and an increased risk for dementia. Consider the findings of a 12-year study by researchers at Johns Hopkins¹:
- Mild hearing loss doubled an adult’s risk of dementia
- Moderate hearing loss tripled the risk
- Severe hearing impairment made adults five times more likely to develop dementia
Social Isolation
Untreated hearing loss can put a strain on many aspects of your personal life. Everything from casual interactions with strangers to your closest relationships with friends and family are likely to be affected by your inability to understand speech or distinguish between the mix of sounds in your environment.
Depression
The connection between depression and hearing loss should come as no surprise. When a formerly gregarious person is no longer able to socialize or participate in beloved activities, the mental toll can be significant and lasting. Learn how to recognize the signs of depression and how you can act in defense of your mental health.
Falls
Your sense of balance depends on the vestibular system in your inner ear. Research on falls has generally focused on visual, cognitive or motor impairments. However, growing evidence suggests that hearing loss may increase a person’s risk of falling and experiencing a serious injury.
Online Hearing Assessment
Visit any Beltone Hearing Care Center to discover just how simple it is to improve your hearing.
You can also take our online hearing assessment to get a head start on your free appointment—we’ll forward your results to your local Beltone office. The results will help your hearing care professional begin the process of determining your level of hearing loss and which hearing aids are right for you.
