Look around you. How common is it to wear glasses ? Some people wear glasses for fashion. But what about hearing aids when they have hearing loss? In fact, many people with hearing loss are reluctant to seek treatment or even use hearing aids. Some people realize they have this problem but wait up to ten years before seeking help. Isn't this something to really think about?
Why don't we care about hearing loss?
A big reason for this is the shame and stigma associated with the condition. Many people think that hearing loss only happens with age. So when they think of the old-fashioned, bulky hearing aids our grandparents wore, some people are afraid that the same thing will happen to them. Many people try to hide it because they think, "Oh, people will think I'm old now too."
The other thing is, hearing loss happens gradually, very slowly . To be precise, if you turn off the lights in a room all of a sudden, you'll notice it. But if you turn down the lights very slowly with a dimmer, it takes a while for you to notice that the room is getting dark. Hearing loss is the same way. So before you realize it, someone in your house, maybe your wife, husband, or friend, might notice it.
"Why are you turning the TV up so loud?"
"Can't you hear me talking?"
If you hear things like this all the time at home, it might be a sign that you need to think about whether your hearing is starting to deteriorate a bit.
The seriousness of delaying treatment
Whatever the reason, delaying treatment is not just inconvenient. A recent study found that people who use hearing aids have a 24% lower risk of death than those who don't. While the exact reason for this is not clear, researchers point to several factors.
Hearing loss can make it difficult to communicate with others and socialize. This can lead to feelings of loneliness , anxiety , and depression , which can negatively impact overall health. Also, people who use hearing aids tend to be more health conscious. Even if they have a minor health problem, they will visit a doctor and not miss a visit.
Hearing loss is not just an inconvenience. It can directly affect your overall health, especially your brain and mental health.
The link between hearing loss and brain health
This is the most important part that we all need to be aware of. Hearing loss can directly damage your brain . Let's see how.
Simply put, there is a snail-shaped part inside our ears called the cochlea . This is what sends sound waves to the brain as signals. When we lose our hearing, these signals reach the brain in a distorted, jumbled manner.
The brain then has to work harder to understand these jumbled signals. This is called increasing 'cognitive load'. As the brain uses more energy to understand sounds, it has less energy for other important functions, such as memory and attention.
Over time, brain cells begin to shrink, or atrophy. This has now been found to be a major risk factor for dementia , a disease characterized by memory loss.
The table below provides a clearer understanding of these risks and benefits.
| Risks if left untreated | Benefits of using a hearing aid |
|---|---|
| Social isolation and loneliness. | Being able to communicate well with family and friends. |
| Increased risk of diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's. | Helping to keep the brain healthy and reduce the risk of dementia. |
| Brain fatigue and brain cell loss (Brain Atrophy). | Because the brain receives clear sound signals, more energy is left for other brain functions. |
| Increased risk of depression and anxiety. | Being able to maintain good mental health and live a happy life. |
Good news! New solutions are emerging with the advancement of technology.
But fear not. The good news is that the solutions to hearing loss are not what they used to be. Those old, bulky, uncomfortable hearing aids are now a thing of the past.
Nowadays, technology has advanced so much that companies like Bose and Sony have even entered the field. There are hearing aids that look like wireless earbuds, can be charged like a smartphone, are so light, and are so small that no one can see them. These completely eliminate that old embarrassment.
Even more amazing things are being created now. Imagine if your glasses could also act as a hearing aid ? Famous eyewear companies like Ray-Ban and Oakley have created a new device that has a speaker built into the frame of the glasses. Even in a crowded place, you can turn up the volume so that you can clearly hear what the person is saying while looking at you. No one around you will even notice that it is a device.
Not only that, but research is also underway to fully restore hearing in the future. Scientists are trying to regrow the cells that capture sound in the inner ear through things like gene therapy . Although these are still in the research stage, there is great hope for the future.
Take-Home Message
- Hearing loss is not just a sign of aging. Don't be ashamed or embarrassed about it.
- Delaying treatment directly affects your brain health, especially your risk of dementia.
- If someone in your family seems unable to hear what your parents are saying, talk about it lovingly and encourage them to seek medical advice.
- Today's hearing aids are very modern, lightweight, and barely visible.
- If you have even the slightest suspicion that you or a loved one may have a hearing problem, please see a doctor and get the necessary tests done. It will be the biggest investment you can make in your future health.
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