Hearing Aids-Denial Is Your Worst Enemy
Monday, October 05, 2009 – 0 Comments
Family, Relationships, and Hearing Loss – Listen up! Everyone is Affected.
Are you someone who has hearing loss but has chosen not to explore hearing aids? Or, are you close to or live with someone who has untreated hearing loss (meaning the person has chosen NOT to use hearing aids)? Hopefully, the following information will provide motivation.
If you read the statistics about hearing loss, the most glaring fact is that of the estimated 30 million people who have hearing loss, only about 22% actually wear hearing aids. Alarming? You bet. Even more alarming are current studies showing the negative effect that untreated hearing loss has on family, friends, and everyone else who comes in contact with those who have chosen not to treat their hearing loss.
Communication is the foundation with how relationships of all types successfully exist. Effective communication allows both parties to convey thoughts and emotions. A relationship is bound to fall apart if you take away the ability to talk, hear and respond.
So, if hearing loss is present, one of the key reasons people choose to not wear hearing aids can be summed up in one word – denial. Personally, I’ve spoken to thousands of people in my 20 year career as an audiologist and I’m always amazed at the number of people who choose to “live with” their hearing problems and provide a number of excuses. Denial is a powerful deterrent and should never be given into when it comes to your health and well being.
When someone is truly in need of hearing help, and yet they make the choice to not wear hearing aids, it can be viewed as a selfish choice given how their poor communication and hearing affects those around them. For example consider the findings of a recently released British study that surveyed 1,500 people with hearing loss over the age of 55:
• Almost 50% said that relationships with their partner, friends, or family had negatively suffered because of their hearing loss.
• 34% reported to have lost touch with friends and family members, and in several cases saw marriage to fall apart as a result of the hearing loss.
• 69% said their hearing loss seriously hinders their ability to take part in everyday conversation.
• 52% feel “left out” and ignored in social situations.
Given the amazing advances in hearing aid cosmetics and digital technology, various payment plans available, and the trial period given by reputable hearing aid distributors, there is simply no reason NOT to give hearing aids a try. The “I can hear just fine” argument can only go so far. Everyone’s quality of life is affected by hearing loss, and there’s simply no excuse to explore a solution.
So remember, friendships, a good quality of life, happy marriages, and hearing aids all go together.
Steve
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