Dr. Kristen Clark, AUD, Board Certified Audiologist

Everyday in our office we hear patients ask “what’s the big deal?” about having some hearing loss. They tell us “I hear well enough”…whatever that means. The truth is that hearing loss is a hidden disability that affects really every aspect of a person’s life. It impacts everything from quality of life, overall health and wellness, employment, self image, stress levels, fatigue levels and, most importantly, relationships.

Hearing loss is the third leading chronic health condition in the U.S. It is estimated that approximately 48 million people in the U.S. suffer with hearing loss currently and on average wait 7 to 10 years before they seek any treatment.

What does it matter if I live with hearing loss? Can’t I just turn up the TV? The big deal about living with a hearing loss, even a mild one, is that creates stressors on an individual. It raises anxiety level, increases negative emotions, creates social isolation, depression, loneliness and causes increased fatigue. Social isolation, depression and loneliness have shown to be as detrimental to your overall health as smoking half a pack of cigarettes per day.

Other areas of impact of an untreated hearing loss include greater fall risk, higher incidence of tinnitus, vertigo and balance issues, and increased risk of other health conditions including diabetes and cardiovascular issues. But the biggest deal about having some hearing loss is your brain. Yes, your brain.

The association between hearing loss and dementia has received particular attention within the past decade and was identified as the largest single potentially modifiable risk factor for the development of dementia in both the 2017 and 2020 Lancet Commission reports. Research is showing that there is not only loss of some fine structural components in the inner ear from hearing loss, but also loss of blood circulation and neural functionality in the higher brain regions that process hearing and speech information and their correlating regions of the brain for memory.

So hearing loss is a big deal. Hearing assessments are recommended for all individuals over the age of 50 and sooner if you are noticing some problems or tinnitus. It is a big deal because your hearing matters.

For more information about Platinum Hearing call 602-283-3823 or visit platinumhearingaz.com