If you are suffering from hearing loss, a hearing aid could actually improve your quality of life. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) conducted a study on the effects of untreated hearing loss, and found that using a hearing aid may improve a group your social, physical and emotional well-being.
The NCOA surveyed 2,069 hearing-impaired individuals and 1,710 of their family members. The study found that on average, users of hearing instruments are more socially active and are less likely to experience periods of depression, paranoia and insecurities compared to non-users.
According to the study, interpersonal warmth in relationships declines as hearing loss gets worse. The survey found that hearing aid users have greater interpersonal warmth in their relationships than non-users. The study also shows there is significant reduction in negativity in family relationships with hearing aid users.
Hearing aid users also found they were discriminated against less because of their hearing problem. According to the study, it is much easier for them to participate in social conversation. They don’t constantly have to ask people to repeat themselves; therefore, conversations are less frustrating.
The study showed users were less likely to exhibit negative emotions or traits. For example, hearing aid users were found to be less irritable, tense, insecure and temperamental. All of the hearing aid user groups displayed significantly lower depression symptoms, insomnia and thoughts of death.
This study concluded using a hearing aid can help improve one’s quality of life in many different ways. Hearing aid users who suffer from mild hearing loss and severe hearing loss identified all the areas where they felt the most improvement in their quality of life. According to the study the top three were relationships at home, feelings about self and life overall.
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