Hearing plays a major role in our quality of life, from our emotional well-being and physical health to our careers and leisure activities.
Yet millions of people who have hearing loss let it go untreated, despite research showing links between untreated hearing loss and increased risk of falls, depression, anxiety, hospitalizations and even dementia.
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 help fuel us, and undeniably make 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 also 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 and 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.
1. Source: John Hopkins Medicine
2. Source: John Hopkins Medicine
3. Source: JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
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.
Treatment of hearing loss has been shown to improve4:
