Hearing loss often happens gradually. People may not even realize at first that they’re not hearing sounds the way they used to. Or they may think that while it isn’t as good as it used to be, it’s not bad enough to warrant a visit to a health care professional. That could be a mistake.
Treating hearing loss means much more than improving hearing. It can have a significant impact on many aspects of health and lifestyle, including relationships, mental health and overall quality of life.
Improved relationships and social life
If you have hearing loss, you may often need to ask people to repeat themselves. Or perhaps you’ve started to shy away from attending social events because you find it difficult to follow conversations. Treating hearing loss can open the door to better relationships.
One-in-two users of hearing aids reported their willingness to talk and engage improved due to their devices, according to MarkeTrak 2022, a comprehensive survey conducted by the Hearing Industries Association. Forty-eight percent of respondents said their ability to participate in group activities has improved.
The gains are not just limited to group social settings. Nearly half of hearing aid users cited improved communication with their spouse or partner.
Better mental health
When you can’t hear well, everyday activities such as socializing, working, volunteering or enjoying hobbies can be more challenging. These activities can even become stress-inducing and lead to feelings of isolation.
Hearing loss has been associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety, especially among people who don’t currently own hearing aids, according to a cross-sectional study done using data from a 2017 National Health Interview Survey. But the good news is hearing aid use may lower those odds. Among the 65 percent of hearing aid users who wish they’d gotten their hearing aids sooner, they cited better mental and emotional health, and a better social life, among the top reasons.
Enhanced quality of life
The impacts of hearing loss can be far-reaching, but so can the benefits of treatment. Among hearing aid owners who got their devices in the last five years, nearly two-thirds say their hearing aids regularly improve their quality of life.
Improvements were even noticed by individuals whose spouse or partner was the one who started wearing hearing aids. For example, 43 percent of respondents said their relationship was better, or a lot better, since their spouse or partner started wearing hearing aids.
MTA members have access to hearing care through Hear In America® which provides savings from the average retail price for high-quality hearing aids.
If you’re experiencing hearing difficulty, please take advantage of this program. Call Hear In America® at 1.855.252.7639 to schedule a hearing exam with a nearby provider or visit www.hearinamerica.com/mta to learn more.
Editor: Carolyn Cassiani
The MTA Advantage is published three times a year as a supplement to MTA Today by MTA Benefits, Inc.
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