Having untreated hearing loss can make your life more difficult. You may struggle to follow conversations, whether at work or at home, feel mentally drained from straining to listen all day, and even be at a greater risk of other health problems.
However, even though the consequences of not treating hearing loss are significant, many people avoid treatment due to the stigma around hearing aids.
Stigma Affects Decision to Treat Hearing Loss
Multiple studies have shown that stigma, both self-perceived and societal, can affect a person’s decision to treat or not treat their hearing loss.
One study, published in 2010, sought to “explore the dimensions of stigma associated by older adults and hearing loss.” Researchers conducted several interviews with couples where one partner had untreated hearing loss over the course of a year.
They discovered that “perceived stigma emerged as influencing decision-making processes at multiple points along the experiential continuum of hearing loss, such as initial acceptance of hearing loss, whether to be tested, type of hearing aid selected, and when and where hearing aids were worn.”
Participants expressed worries about ageism as well as concerns over vanity and their own self-perception.
Overcoming Hearing Aid Stigma
One of the biggest fears about getting hearing aids is that people are afraid it will make them look older. However, in reality, frequently needing people to repeat themselves or turning the volume up to a level that’s unbearable for others is more likely to make you appear older.
Additionally, modern hearing aids are small and sleek, and some fit entirely in the ear canal, making them essentially invisible to those around you.
What Hearing Aids Can Do For You
Not only is the stigma surrounding hearing aids incorrect, but treating your hearing loss can benefit your life in so many different ways. Using hearing aids can:
- Increase your confidence when communicating with others
- Make social outings, like a meal out with friends at The Fountain on Locust, more enjoyable
- Decrease feelings of anxiety and depression surrounding your hearing loss
- Improve your balance and make you less likely to experience falls
- Lower your risk of health issues like cognitive decline and dementia when compared to people with untreated hearing loss
To learn more about how hearing aids can help you or to schedule an appointment with one of our experts, contact Center for Hearing & Speech today.
