Hearing loss impacts our emotional well-being
When we hear our best, there’s nothing stopping us from enjoying the sounds of laughter, music, nature or conversations with family and friends. Hearing these sounds helps fuel us, and undeniably makes moments more memorable and life more enjoyable.
When hearing is impaired, those sounds we’ve taken for granted fade — leading to a cascade of changes that could impact us emotionally.
Hearing loss might cause embarrassment
Missing favorite sounds might lead to sadness
Missing critical information could create anxiety
Not hearing conversations clearly might lead to feeling left out
Feeling left out can lead to depression and social isolation
Hearing loss increases the risk for dementia three ways:
Hearing loss impacts our physical and mental health
Hearing loss plays a significant role in our physical and mental well-being — with a growing body of research linking hearing loss to dementia and cognitive decline. When we hear our best, it’s easy to stay engaged, alert and active.
When hearing is impaired, our sense of space shrinks, warning cues get missed, and we withdraw from social activities or situations. This leaves our physical and mental health vulnerable.
Adults with hearing loss are up to 5 times more likely to develop dementia4
Hearing loss is linked to a three-fold risk of falling5
Accidental injuries are up to 50 percent more likely for people with hearing loss6
4. Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine 5. Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine 6. Source: JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
Hearing loss impacts everyday life
More than anything else, hearing keeps us connected to the world around us. Whether it’s communicating with friends and family, interacting with colleagues, enjoying a recital, movie or TV show, or waking up to birds singing outside your window — when you hear better, you simply live better.
But when hearing is impaired, those connections, interactions and moments can be muted and strained, which has an impact on our quality of life.
Missing a grandchild’s first words or a family dinner story
Feeling left out of a conversation or a good joke
Limiting once-fun social activities
Feeling less independent, less confident and less secure
Frustrating loved ones with constant requests to repeat what was said
Not living life to the fullest because hearing loss is holding you back