• How significant is hearing loss on someone's quality of life?
• Did you know?
• Common signs of hearing loss
• Consequences of hearing loss

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How Significant is Hearing Loss on Someone’s Quality of Life?

Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in the United States with more than 19 million Americans age 45 and over having hearing loss. The National Council on the Aging (NCOA) released a groundbreaking study in 1999 that showed the significant impact that untreated hearing loss had on an individual’s emotional and social well-being. Individuals with untreated hearing loss were more likely to report depression, anxiety, irritability, anger and were less likely to participate in organized social activities. Those using hearing instruments reported benefits in many areas of their lives, ranging from their relationships at home to a sense of independence and physical well-being. Family members also noticed these improvements. Other studies have shown that symptoms of untreated hearing loss mimic the outward behavioral characteristics of early onset Alzheimer’s Disease. An individual with even a moderate hearing loss has a total functional impact similar to those exhibited by people with a major medical condition. If you or someone you know shows signs of hearing loss, seek professional help from an Audiologist or Ear, Nose and Throat Physician so that you or they can enjoy life to the fullest with better hearing.

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Did you know?

• 28 million people in the U.S. have a hearing loss
• By age 65, one out of three people have a hearing loss
• By age 85, three out of five people have a hearing loss
• Symptoms of uncorrected hearing loss mimic outward behavior characteristics of early onset Alzheimer’s disease
• Hearing deficits, when uncorrected, can exacerbate memory and cognitive disorders
• 75% of people who could benefit from hearing aids are not using them
• People with hearing loss wait for an average of seven years before seeking help
• Isolation, withdrawal, and depression are common reactions to hearing loss
• Hearing impaired people have a much higher divorce rate than hearing people
• More people have a hearing loss, than people who are afflicted with blindness, multiple sclerosis, tuberculosis, kidney disease, liver disease and cancer combined

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Common Signs of Hearing Loss

• You may hear but not understand people
• You may have difficulty understanding radio, television or public address systems
• You need to watch a person’s lips in order to understand
• You find yourself asking people to repeat what they have said
• You may pretend to understand
• You may avoid people and isolate yourself
• You may find it emotionally and physically exhausting to communicate
• It appears that you are the only one who has these difficulties

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Consequences of Hearing Loss

• The emotional consequences are anxiety, depression, negativism, irritability, embarrassment, frustration, anger, low self-esteem, and impatience
  
• The social consequences are avoidance, silence, rejection, loss of intimacy, boredom, withdrawal, misunderstandings, conflict, and misinformation
  
• The physical consequences are indigestion, tension, headaches, high blood pressure, fatigue, heart disease, low tolerance for loud noises, and endangerment

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