While most patients diagnosed with hearing loss are eager to treat it, others question the need for improved hearing since they live a quiet and private lifestyle. As an audiologist, Dr. Booth finds herself faced with questions such as “I live alone and don’t go out much, why would I need hearing aids?” or “What is the point of hearing if no one else is around?”
These same arguments also come from “part-time” hearing aid patients who choose to only wear their hearing aids for family gatherings and social engagements.
Why Wear Hearing Aids?
New studies support existing evidence that wearing hearing aids can help slow cognitive decline in elderly patients. Because our brains are designed to hear sound and process it as we go throughout our day, denying even soft environmental sounds robs our brain of important opportunities to process and relearn sound. Over time, untreated hearing loss may result in inadequate brain stimulation, which can lead to cognitive decline. Therefore, it is essential that those with hearing loss wear hearing aids all day, every day – regardless of their lifestyle.
How We Can Help
If challenges with your hearing aids are preventing you from wearing them all day, schedule an appointment with Dr. Booth to troubleshoot the issue. Consistent hearing aid use is not only important to your hearing health, but your cognitive health as well!