Hear From the Experts

By MJ DeSousa
Audiologist & Director of Patient Experience at Beltone

Hearing is such a crucial component of our human experience, and, as an audiologist, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of early detection in preserving communication and quality of life. To paraphrase Hellen Keller: When you lose your sight, you lose your connection to things, but when you lose your hearing, you lose your connection to people. I love this quote because it really underscores the role hearing plays in our ability to form human connections.

Want to know a little-known fact? Hearing loss is one of the most common chronic health conditions in North America, right after heart disease and arthritis. It is so, so important to test for and detect hearing loss early. The unfortunate fact, however, is that few people do, as many don’t realize just how common hearing loss is, or its connection to so many health issues down the road. Furthermore, because it is invisible and generally happens gradually, people tend to unconsciously adapt to their hearing loss and tolerate it longer than necessary.

The social, physical, and cognitive impacts of untreated hearing loss

• Socially: Because we rely on our hearing for communication and much of our interaction with the world, untreated hearing loss causes many situations to feel stressful or embarrassing, which can lead to avoidance of these situations. This, in turn, can lead to social isolation, feelings of loneliness, and depression. It can also have a negative impact at work and on relationships and cause relationship breakdown, where the additional work required to communicate and participate in social settings can be perceived as harder than the potential rewards by both the person with hearing loss and those around them.


• Physically: Untreated hearing loss has been linked to an increased risk of falling, which can have devastating consequences, especially as we age. In fact, a 2012 study found that people with mild hearing loss were nearly three times more likely to have a history of falling, with the risk increasing as the severity of hearing loss increased. (Lin et al. (2012), "Hearing Loss and Falls among Older Adults in the United States," published in Archives of Internal Medicine).


• Cognitively: Our ears detect sounds and deliver those signals to the brain where they are interpreted or “understood”. Just like exercising keeps us fit and our muscles strong, maintaining strong connections between our ears and our brain can help keep our brains fit. In fact, multiple studies have demonstrated connections between hearing loss and cognitive decline, with one reporting a 30-40% faster rate of cognitive decline in older adults with hearing loss compared to those with normal hearing¹ . This may be due to preventable factors like untreated hearing loss which could lead to increased cognitive load due to increased difficulty understanding those around them. This inability to fully participate could also lead to reduced brain stimulation and subsequent social isolation². To help us age well, it’s important to keep those connections between the ear and brain active and strong throughout our lifespan. The best way to do this is through safe hearing practices, annual hearing checkups and regular use of hearing solutions as soon as we experience changes in our hearing.

Recognizing the early signs of hearing loss is essential for taking the first step toward better hearing. By consulting with a hearing care professional (HCP), you can address any potential hearing issues, questions, and explore a variety of solutions such as hearing aids. To assist you or your loved one on this journey, I have curated a list of early warning signs, along with information on how hearing aids can significantly improve your daily life.

"Just like exercising keeps us fit and our muscles strong, maintaining strong connections between our ears and our brain can help keep our brains fit."

Early Warning Signs of Hearing Loss

• People Seem to Mumble More Frequently
  "You’re always mumbling!” “Speak clearly!” Do you or a loved one say this often? It may seem like people are mumbling more often. You can tell they’re speaking to you, and you can hear them, but it’s not always clear and not as easy to understand as it used to be. There’s a saying (that I will paraphrase) that goes, “if everyone you meet is a problem, chances are the problem might really lie with you.” In other words, if you’re noticing that more and more people seem to be mumbling or it’s becoming harder to understand, it might be time to contact your local Hearing Care Professional for a free hearing test.


• You Experience “Ringing” in Your Ears
  Tinnitus, or ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears, can be more than just annoying—it often indicates hearing damage and should not be ignored––especially if it persists, affects your ability to concentrate or sleep, or gets worse over time. Tinnitus can also be a symptom of other health problems, so getting it checked out and evaluated can be your first step in avoiding bigger issues down the road.


• Playing Devices at Louder Volumes
  One of the first symptoms I often hear about from people with untreated hearing loss is that family and friends are noticing you are turning the TV or radio louder than you used to. You might feel the volume is just right, but others may find it uncomfortably loud. If this sounds familiar, it might be a good idea to have your hearing checked as this may be due to hearing changes.

"You might also find that subtle sounds, like birds chirping or the distant hum of an emergency siren, are becoming harder to catch. These changes can be a sign that your hearing sensitivity or ability to detect certain sounds is decreasing."

You Are Missing Important Sounds In Your Environment
I often hear from patients that they start missing everyday sounds—like the doorbell, the creak of the stairs, or even the whistle of a tea kettle. You might also find that subtle sounds, like birds chirping or the distant hum of an emergency siren, are becoming harder to catch. These changes can be a sign that your hearing sensitivity or ability to detect certain sounds is decreasing. We had a patient who recently exclaimed, “You know, before I got hearing aids, I’d assumed the ticking noises turn signals make had been done away with by car companies years ago!” If these experiences sound familiar, it may be time to check in on your hearing health.

• Difficulty in Group Conversations and Asking People to Repeat Themselves
  People share that group settings can become challenging especially where several conversations are happening at once or there is other background noise. You may notice yourself missing parts of the conversation or needing to ask others to repeat themselves more than before. One patient shared, "I used to love family get-togethers, but now I often feel lost in the chatter and keep asking people to repeat themselves." If you notice you're saying, "Pardon?" more often than before, it could be a sign that your hearing isn't as sharp as it used to be. These are common signs that hearing clarity might be slipping, particularly in environments with overlapping sounds. These situations can be frustrating, but you are not alone—and there are ways to feel confident in noisy situations again! A hearing check-up would be an important next step.


• Feeling Fatigued After Social Situations
  Do you feel unusually tired after social gatherings or group settings? This “social fatigue” often stems from the extra effort required to listen closely and make sense of conversations, especially in noisy environments. When your hearing isn’t as sharp, your brain needs to work harder to fill in the gaps and this can be mentally exhausting. If you find yourself feeling worn out after social events, it could be a sign that hearing loss is impacting your energy levels. A hearing check would be a helpful step toward understanding and easing this fatigue.

While these signs might seem minor and are often attributed to aging, they are very important early indicators of hearing loss. Many people brush off these changes as part of the natural aging process and not worth bothering about but catching them early can make a real difference in your quality of life, health, and even relationships. If you are noticing any changes in your hearing or experiencing these signs, it’s worth reaching out for a professional hearing check. Acting now can help you stay connected and engaged in the moments that matter. Don’t get left out of the life you want!

The Benefits of Treating Hearing Loss With Modern Hearing Aids

The great news? Modern hearing aids deliver impressive sound quality, with a natural listening experience that feels less like "assistance" and more like rediscovering your full hearing potential. Plus, hearing aids now come in smaller, more discreet designs that fit comfortably into everyday life. Many models connect directly to your smartphone and public places like airports and train stations, allowing you to stream music, phone calls, service announcements, and more straight to your hearing aids. These aren’t your grandparents' hearing aids! They are advanced, stylish tools that help you stay connected and live life on your terms.

How Hearing Aids Can Transform Your Life

Incorporating hearing aids into your life can bring transformative benefits across various aspects such as improved overall wellbeing, enhanced daily experiences, and even increased lifespan. You’re likely to see improvements in several areas, including:

• Communication
  With hearing aids, you’ll find it easier to understand speech in noisy settings, allowing for easier, more enjoyable conversations. This can also help reduce social isolation, keeping you fully engaged with work, hobbies, loved ones, and your community.


• Mental Health
  Wearing hearing aids regularly can do so much more than improve your hearing—it can truly lift your spirits, too. Research shows that people who consistently use their hearing aids often experience less depression, anxiety, and those feelings of loneliness that can creep in when we feel disconnected³. By helping you be present and engaged with the world around you, hearing aids can make everyday moments feel more fulfilling and enjoyable. It’s an important step that can really help you feel like yourself again.


• Physical Health, Independence, and Safety
  Hearing aids make it easier to hear essential sounds like alarms, traffic, and other environmental cues, increasing your confidence and safety while navigating daily activities independently. Hearing aids may also decrease the risk of falls by improving spatial awareness and physical stability. In fact, a study conducted by Johns Hopkins University found that individuals with even mild untreated hearing loss were nearly three times more likely to experience falls compared to those with normal hearing, and this risk only escalated with the severity of hearing loss⁴.


• Cognitive Function
  As described earlier, addressing hearing loss early with hearing aids may help reduce risks of dementia and cognitive decline. A recent study linked hearing aid use with a reduced rate of cognitive decline in older adults at high risk of dementia by almost 50% over a three-year period.⁵


• Professional Life
  Struggling to hear can be mentally exhausting and can affect your performance at work. Hearing loss has been shown to affect income earning potential⁶, as struggling to hear can be mentally exhausting leading to mistakes and diminished engagement. Reducing these impacts related to hearing loss by wearing hearing aids, can lead to better job performance and decreased fatigue.


• Hobbies and Activities
  Hearing aids can help you re-engage with hobbies and activities you used to enjoy, like music, television, sports, outdoor activities, and time spent with friends and social circles.

Hearing Aids: A Path to a Fuller, More Vibrant Life

Hearing aids are so much more than just devices—they’re a gateway to a richer, more connected life! Choosing to wear hearing aids as soon as you notice changes in your hearing is a proactive, empowering step toward enhancing your quality of life. Don’t know where to start? Click here to start your journey to better hearing, and the freedom to live your life, your way!

References:

1. Lin, F.R., et al. (2013). "Hearing loss and cognitive decline in older adults," published in JAMA Internal Medicine. This longitudinal study found that older adults with hearing loss experienced a 30-40% faster rate of cognitive decline compared to those with normal hearing. The study suggests that untreated hearing loss may contribute to cognitive impairment through increased cognitive load, social isolation, and reduced brain stimulation.


2. Deal, J.A., et al. (2015). "Hearing impairment and cognitive decline: A pilot study," in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. This study found that individuals with hearing loss were at greater risk of developing dementia and cognitive decline, suggesting that auditory deficits could lead to increased cognitive effort, which may contribute to cognitive wear over time.


3. Bigelow RT, Reed NS, Brewster KK, et al. Association of Hearing Loss With Psychological Distress and Utilization of Mental Health Services Among Adults in the United States. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(7):e2010986. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.10986


4. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss


5. Lin FR, Pike JR, Albert MS, Arnold M, Burgard S, Chisolm T, Couper D, Deal JA, Goman AM, Glynn NW, Gmelin T, Gravens-Mueller L, Hayden KM, Huang AR, Knopman D, Mitchell CM, Mosley T, Pankow JS, Reed NS, Sanchez V, Schrack JA, Windham BG, Coresh J; ACHIEVE Collaborative Research Group. Hearing intervention versus health education control to reduce cognitive decline in older adults with hearing loss in the USA (ACHIEVE): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2023 Sep 2;402(10404):786-797. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01406-X. Epub 2023 Jul 18. PMID: 37478886; PMCID: PMC10529382.


6. Jørgensen, Astrid Ytrehus1; Engdahl, Bo2; Bratsberg, Bernt3; Mehlum, Ingrid Sivesind1; Hoffman, Howard J.4; Aarhus, Lisa1. Hearing Loss and Annual Earnings Over a 20-Year Period: The HUNT Cohort Study. Ear & Hearing ():10.1097/AUD.0000000000001554, August 14, 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/AUD.0000000000001554

About the Expert:

MJ DeSousa is an Audiologist and Director of Patient Experience at Beltone, with over 35 years of experience in hearing health care. She earned her Masters of Clinical Science in Audiology from Western University in London, Ontario and has extensive experience as a practicing Audiologist and in corporate leadership within the hearing industry. At Beltone, DeSousa is dedicated to educating hearing care professionals across North America, ensuring they provide the highest standard of patient care. Learn more by visiting her LinkedIn here.