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.
In-Person Conversations
Did your last conversation leave you feeling like you missed a punchline? Most conversations naturally involve a back and forth between the participants, with people sometimes cutting in or inadvertently speaking over one another.
But what may feel engaging or exciting to someone with regular hearing can feel chaotic and stressful to someone experiencing hearing loss, who is straining to perceive each word. Perhaps you frequently ask others to repeat themselves, or even attempt to read their lips. Such problems may be magnified even more when you’re conversating in a noisy environment, like a busy restaurant.
Phone & Video Calls
Do you dread when the phone rings? For those experiencing hearing loss, the stress of face-to-face conversations can lead to feelings of embarrassment and anxiety. This often causes people to isolate from others or stop attending previously cherished social activities. In lieu of in-person interactions, phone calls or video calls become a primary source of communication.
Unfortunately, the symptoms of hearing loss are often just as bad—or even worse—while using a phone. Difficulty distinguishing between words is one common complaint. Such challenges can lead to feeling frustrated with technology or compulsively adjusting the volume on your phone.
Events
Have you stopped attending functions or events that you once loved? Hearing loss can disrupt your enjoyment of numerous activities, such as:
Concerts
Movies or theater
Book readings
Academic lectures
Church services
Even if your lifestyle hasn’t undergone a major upheaval, you may be missing out on important moments and memories instead of experiencing your favorite things in life like you once did.
How Can Hearing Aids Help?
Treating your hearing loss can give you the confidence in face-to-face communication that you once had. You can return to your favorite leisure activities and take phone or video calls with confidence.
For many people, hearing aids are the first step toward a fuller, more satisfying life.
Today’s hearing aids are available in a range of styles to suit a variety of lifestyles, ages and types of hearing loss. Click the link below to book a free appointment with a Beltone hearing care professional and begin your journey to better hearing.
More About Untreated Hearing Loss
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
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.
