We often take for granted our ability to hear the voices of the people we love, the sounds of nature, and the daily hustle and bustle of the world around us. But if any risk factors for hearing loss apply to you, you’ll know firsthand how this problem can impede your ability to connect with others or even feel present in your own life.
According to recent statistics, approximately 15% of American adults (or 37.5 million people) over the age of 18 report that they have trouble hearing. You may accept hearing loss as a normal sign of aging, but that’s not necessarily the case. Nor do you have to merely accept the fact that you’re losing your hearing. In fact, the sooner you reach out to an ENT specialist and/or audiologist for hearing loss help, the more equipped you’ll be to preserve the hearing you have. Your brain will be able to process sound more quickly and accurately if both ears have improved hearing. Plus, you’ll be in a better position to take part in the most important part of daily life by prioritizing your hearing health.
If you put off audio testing or hearing device fitting, you could be more at risk for hearing loss than you think. Not only might you feel much more isolated and have difficulty partaking in social situations, but your overall health may also be linked to your hearing health. For example, hearing loss occurs nearly twice as often in adults with diabetes than in those who do not have this diagnosis. Research indicates that higher blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss. There’s also evidence to suggest that hearing loss may be linked to dementia, kidney disease, heart disease, vision loss, and cognitive decline, as well as a greater risk of falls.
That’s why it’s essential to take steps to learn about hearing loss risks and adopt a holistic approach to your well-being. By seeing an ENT specialist and/or Audiologist and prioritizing medical treatments now, you can take control of your health in both the present and the future. If you feel you’re unable to communicate with your loved ones due to hearing loss or your family has expressed concerns about perceived hearing issues, our ENT and Audiologist doctors in the greater Houston area, such as cities like Louetta, Pearland, and Spring, are here to help. For more information on our professional audiology services, please contact our office today.
