4 Reasons Why a Hearing Aid is a Good Investment

It’s not uncommon for people to hesitate when they learn the price of a hearing aid. Hearing aids aren’t cheap, but purchasing one could be one of the best investments you’ll ever make. Here’s why.

A Hearing Aid Helps Preserve Cognitive Function

Tiny hair cells in your inner ear carry sound information to the portion of your brain involved in processing sound. When these hair cells are damaged, less sound reaches that part of your brain. Just as a muscle becomes smaller and weaker when it isn’t used, the auditory portion of your brain does, too. Some research has linked hearing loss with an increased risk for brain atrophy and dementia, as well as changes in cognitive function and memory. What could be more important than protecting your ability to think and remember?

Preserve Your Earning Potential

Here’s a statistic that might shock you. A study carried out by the Better Hearing Institute showed people with hearing impairments that go untreated lose as much as $30,000 in income annually due to losses in performance and productivity. It’s hard to advance in a career if you can’t hear what your colleagues are saying. A hearing aid is a small investment when you consider the potential loss in income you could experience due to hearing loss.

Better Relationships

Hearing problems can place a strain on your relationships. It’s hard to connect with the people you care about when you can’t hear what they’re saying. Over time, the stress of having to ask people to repeat what they’re saying takes its toll on you and your loved ones. A hearing aid opens up a stronger line of communication so you can get closer to the people you love. Individuals with hearing loss sometimes become socially isolated because they’re embarrassed about their inability to hear the conversation. A hearing aid is an investment in stronger relationships.

Better Mood

How important is a happy mood and a lower stress level to you? Most people would gladly pay something for that. Research shows uncorrected hearing loss can worsen depression, anxiety, and lead to social isolation. Many people with hearing loss find that getting a hearing aid is a life-changing experience. That certainly makes it a good investment, doesn’t it?

The Bottom Line

Now you know why a hearing aid is a small price to pay. Getting one can pay off with better emotional and physical health. That’s a worthy trade-off!

References

John Hopkins Medicine. Hearing Loss and Dementia Linked in Study. Retrieved https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/hearing_loss_and_dementia_linked_in_study

Better Hearing Institute. New Study Reveals Financial Dangers of Leaving Hearing Loss Unaddressed. Retrieved https://old.betterhearing.org/press/news/Hearing_loss_income_and_unemployment_pr021811.cfm

Tsakiropoulou, E., Konstantinidis, I., Vital, I., Konstantinidou, S., & Kotsani, A. (2007). Hearing aids: Quality of life and socio-economic aspects. Hippokratia, 11(4), 183-186.