Hearing aids are a careful and costly investment for anyone. As most insurance providers don’t pay for hearing aids, the cost — which varies greatly depending on the style and features you want — is usually an important investment, often deterring people from making the purchase at all. In fact, studies show that individuals who would benefit from the use of hearing aids tend to wait roughly seven years before making a purchase.

Another important component in the decision to purchase aids is to fully understand the benefits of the devices. While hearing aids do not fully restore hearing, they do provide significant improvements in hearing and lifestyle.

Better quality of life

Those who wear hearing aids often report a happier, more enjoyable life. Individuals living with undiagnosed or untreated hearing loss tend to become more isolated, depressed, experience more rapid cognitive decline and put themselves at risk for suffering from tinnitus.

More interaction

Noisy environments, with excessive background noise or music, are often difficult for those with hearing loss to navigate. Since many social situations include noisy environments, such as a busy restaurant, party or other gathering, it is common for people with hearing loss to avoid them altogether. Missing out on such occasions can easily decrease one’s overall happiness and enjoyment in life.

Better emotional health

Depression is very common in individuals with undiagnosed and untreated hearing loss. The isolation associated with avoiding noisy environments is a big factor leading to depression. Additionally, these individuals may feel free frustrated with themselves or others for failures in communication. Living in such a constant negative state can make it difficult to find joy and happiness in life, both of which are common hearing aid benefits.

Slow cognitive decline

Hearing aid wearers also benefit by increasing their learning power and slowing cognitive decline. When hearing loss is untreated, the brain and auditory system stop communicating as often. This decrease in communication can cause atrophy, as the brain isn’t “flexing its muscles” as often. Those who wear hearing aids, however, are able to enjoy the benefits of regularly communicating auditory and neurological systems. Furthermore, one’s brain will continue to function on a more engaged level, increasing the ability to stay alert and learning.

If you think you may benefit from hearing aids, but haven’t scheduled an appointment with a hearing care provider in your area, take control today. Your hearing healthcare professional will walk you through each step of the process and make it easy and worthwhile to hear all the sounds around you again.