A keen sense of hearing is one of the most important ways in which we interact with the world. As we age (and for many other reasons), our hearing health tends to get ignored if we can just get by and hear good enough. The truth is that hearing decline can have a significant impact on our lives and the lives of those around us; even society as a whole.

Communication breakdowns, declines in workplace productivity, increases in mental health problems, and rising healthcare costs are all associated with one’s hearing health. Let’s explore the impacts of delayed auditory care, and how you can be proactive in protecting your hearing ability long-term

The Personal Cost

The loss of any one sense can be devastating to our personal lives; physically, mentally, and socially. Being able to hear what’s going on is what integrates you into the surrounding environment. When the ability to do this starts to decline, we face a cascade of struggles that bring to light just how important hearing really is.

Physical Health

Research out of John Hopkins University has shown inextricable links between hearing loss and dementia. They found that moderate to severe hearing loss was associated with a higher prevalence of dementia compared to those with normal hearing. Resultantly, it was concluded that hearing may be the single biggest modifiable factor when it comes to dementia prevention.

Mental Well-Being

Hearing loss has also been found to be associated with greater psychological distress and utilization of mental health services. Depression, anxiety, and social isolation can all be byproducts of not being able to hear, and, therefore, listen and communicate effectively with those around you. This can lead to withdrawal, and general hesitancy around social situations.

The Social Cost

We are all threads in a social fabric. Our ability to cooperate, resonate, and correspond with one another is what makes the wheel go round on every level of social interaction. From the conversations you have with loved ones to the work you have to do professionally, hearing health is an important part of everything that we do.

Relationships & Communication

The strain placed on yourself and others when it comes to not being able to hear properly can be an eroding factor in many relationships. Frustration, impatience, and misinterpretation are all sidekicks to hearing health that is on the decline. When ties with people you care about start to deteriorate, you’re more at risk to some of the mental health issues aforementioned above.

Workplace Productivity

Even if you feel like your hearing is okay, what others feel may be purposely veiled for the sake of nicety and not wanting to offend you, especially in a professional setting. Productivity tends to decline and the risk of not performing well in general is heightened when hearing is impaired. Resources have to be triaged more disparagingly when details get misheard or missed altogether. 

The Economic Cost

Optimal hearing health is something our society just cannot afford to live without. The economic implications are critical to our healthcare system and the economy as a whole. When we all get together and talk about improving the economy, seldom do we place an onus on the metrics that each one of us can look after and change for the better. One of those is hearing health.

Healthcare Expenses

Almost 1 in 4 Canadians experience some level of hearing loss, and the likelihood of you being one of them grows with age. When hearing starts to decline, the dominos begin to fall in terms of health-related issues. We already deal with an overwhelmed healthcare system for so many reasons, but hearing health is something we can be proactive about to help mitigate the burden. 

Societal Impact

If we have a quarter of the population experiencing some of the struggles we’ve detailed so far, how do you think that affects the society as a whole? The importance of hearing health is not something we often talk about—and that needs to change. For us to form a country that is both productive and prosperous, we need a population that can both listen to and hear one another.

The Importance of Early Detection & Intervention

It is often such a gradual decline that many of us fail to notice when our hearing health is not what it should be. The importance of regular hearing tests and discussions with your audiologist are key to early detection of issues and intervention. Audiology First is Lethbridge’s leader in hearing assessments, technology, and hearing care. Take a look at what our clinic can do for you.

Benefits of Early Care

Regular appointments at Audiology First can help improve your hearing and reduce healthcare costs down the road. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing you with accessible care that makes a difference from your very first appointment. Enjoy better relationships, work performance, and quality of life by staying on top of your hearing health.

Technology & Solutions

As a Southern Alberta leader in audiology care, we provide our patients with the most up to date technology and effective solutions for their hearing health. Advancements in the field, such as rechargeable hearing aids that have wind-detection, smartphone integration, and tinnitus masking are just some of the incredible treatment options that we can offer to our patients.

How Audiology First Can Help

Audiology First has a goal—to make a positive difference in your hearing health. We start with a comprehensive hearing test that helps us provide a unique and tailored treatment plan designed just for you. There’s no cookie-cutter approach. We’ll find treatment options based on your needs, and provide ongoing support as your hearing changes over time.

Some of the services we provide include

• Hearing test
• Hearing aids
• Earwax removal
• Hearing aid care
• Ostocan (3D imaging technology)

Ignoring your hearing health comes at an incalculable cost. The effects it has on interpersonal relationships, mental well-being, work performance, and healthcare costs can be mitigated to a large degree by being proactive. Explore your hearing health solutions by contacting the expert team at Audiology First. Book your appointment with us today: 403-394-9903