8 Reasons Hearing Loss Is More Dangerous

Than You Think

48 million people suffer from some form of hearing loss in the

US…

…and while most people consider hearing loss to be simply frustrating

and “just part of getting old”…

…recent research suggests that hearing loss is more dangerous than

anyone could have imagined. Here are the reasons why…

Reason # 1: Link to Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease

A study from Johns Hopkins University and the National Institute on Aging suggests that those with hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, compared with those who retain their hearing.

Reason # 2: Depression & Social Isolation

Researchers from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), part of the National Institutes of Health, have found a strong association between hearing impairment and depression among U.S. adults of all ages and races.

Reason # 3: Not Hearing Alerts to Danger

Car horns, ambulance and police sirens, and fire alarms all are designed to alert you to potential danger. If you miss these signals, you place yourself at an increased risk of injury.

Reason # 4: Memory Impairment & Mental Decline

Studies at Johns Hopkins University suggest that adults with hearing loss experience a 40% higher rate of decline in cognitive function compared to those with normal hearing.

Reason # 5: Lower Household Income

In a survey of over 40,000 households conducted by the Better Hearing Institute, hearing loss was shown to negatively impact household income up to $12,000 annually, depending on the degree of hearing loss. Those who wore hearing aids, however, reduced this impact by 50%.

Reason # 6: Auditory Deprivation

A growing body of research suggests that hearing loss gets worse over time, in a way similar to how our muscles atrophy when not used.

Reason # 7: Underlying Medical ConditionsHearing loss is sometimes the symptom of a more serious, underlying medical condition, such as:

• Cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes

• Otosclerosis - the hardening of the middle ear bones

• Ménière's disease - a disorder of the inner ear affecting hearing and balance

• Traumatic injuries

• Infections, earwax buildup, or blockages from foreign objects

• Tumors

• Medications - there are more than 200 medications and chemicals that are known to cause hearing and balance problems

Reason # 8: Increased Risk of Falls

Johns Hopkins University research suggests that people with a 25-decibel hearing loss, classified as mild, were almost three times more likely to have a history of falling. And for every additional 10-decibels of hearing loss, the chances of falling increased by 1.4 times.

Treat Your Hearing Loss, Reduce Your Risk

The good news is that all of these risks can be avoided or reduced by treating your hearing loss. And, almost all forms of hearing loss are highly treatable.

If you or someone you know suspects hearing loss, schedule a hearing test today.

8 Texas Locations(800) 571-3058www.hearingaidcompany.com