There is a giant stigma around hearing loss because a lot of people believe that hearing loss can only happen if you’re “old.” The reality is that approximately 14 percent of adults aged 20-69 experience some form of hearing loss. This belief that getting a hearing aid will make them look old can stop them from seeking the help they need. 

In fact, on average people who need help will put it off for seven years. However, putting off treatment for your hearing loss can be very dangerous! Dr. Nikki, an audiologist in Omaha, goes over some of the reasons why it’s imperative that if you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss that you get treatment right away. 

1. Even mild hearing loss can affect your brain 

Your ears and your brain work together for you to be able to hear. So even with minor hearing loss, your ears start sending less and less sounds to your brain for processing. In turn, the parts of your brain that handle all of your auditory needs can switch to visual processing instead. Over time, this can lead to your auditory processing system deteriorating. Visiting an audiologist in Omaha sooner rather than later can help prevent that deterioration and keep your brain in tip-top shape. 

2. Memory can decline

Along those same lines, hearing loss affects other areas of your brain too. When struggling to hear people talk at a party or in a crowd, your brain can work in overdrive trying to listen to the conversation. All the work gets put into listening instead of comprehension, and your brain's working memory can decline. This decline in cognitive function has also been linked to the development of dementia. 

3. Your balance is affected 

Ears and your hearing ability contribute greatly to your balance. One study found that having some form of hearing loss can make it three times more likely to have a history of falling.  While balance disorders and hearing loss do not always occur simultaneously, it is something to watch. 

4. It’s safer for you to hear

In general, hearing loss can mean you miss out on some of the important things happening around you. This can be conversations, entertainment, and other trivial things, but it can also be things of great importance that correlate directly with your safety. Not being able to hear someone shout a warning to you or hear the smoke alarm go off can be extremely dangerous. Visiting an audiologist in Omaha helps you be aware of your surroundings at all times. 

5. Your social life can take a toll 

Constantly having to ask “What did you say?” and straining to hear can lead to fatigue, frustration and even depression. It requires all of your mental concentration to follow a conversation with people and that level of effort can make you tired. This can lead to avoiding interactions with people and decrease the amount of joy you get out of spending time with the people that you love most. 

Visit us! 

Don’t put off seeking help for your hearing loss, increase your quality of life and make an appointment at Active Hearing Health! When searching for an audiologist in Omaha, there is no better choice than Dr. Nikki or Dr. Noel. Contact us to learn more!