The holiday season is full of beautiful festivities, traditions and sounds. If you have untreated hearing loss, you may be missing out on some of these joyful noises. Below we review some of the holiday sounds we want you to hear this year and the benefits of seeking treatment for hearing loss.
Sounds You Don’t Want to Miss
Below are some of the holiday sounds you may not even know you’re missing out on:
- Holiday music. Whether it’s the tunes on the radio or carolers at your door, hearing loss can cause you to miss certain notes – particularly the high ones. Schedule an appointment with an audiologist if you want to be able to hear the sopranos.
- Awe of the lights. Many people take pride in their holiday decorations. If you’re one of these people, or if you’re enjoying the lights show at Athens Downtown Parade of Lights, consider treating your hearing loss so you can hear the oo’s and awe’s.
- Conversations with loved ones. Holiday parties are a tough listening environment for people with hearing loss thanks to all the background noise, from other conversations to clanking dishes and music playing. Hearing aids can improve your ability to hear speech in noise.
- Crackling fire. Is there anything cozier on a chilly day than a fireplace? Even if you’re enjoying the warmth, you may not be hearing the crackle and pop.
- Tiny footsteps. Little ones might be tempted try to get a peek at their presents. Wearing hearing aids allows you to listen for their tiny sneaking footsteps.
Hearing Aids Can Improve Your Life
According to one study published in The Hearing Journal in 2011, hearing aids can improve your quality of life. The researchers used surveys to find that:
- 37.4% of hearing aid users reported better and 28.6% reported a lot better effective communication.
- 25.3% of users reported better and 22.2% reported a lot better sense of safety.
- 29.9% of users reported better and 21.9% reported a lot better relationships at home.
- 22.9% of users reported better and 20.8% reported a lot better self-confidence.
- 31.4% of users reported better and 20.8% reported a lot better social life.
- 24.5% of users reported better and 20.7% reported a lot better feelings about self.
- 30.8% of users reported better and 20.6% reported a lot better ability to join in groups.
- 22.3% of users reported better and 19.9% reported a lot better sense of independence.
- 23.9% of users reported better and 17.9% reported a lot better work relationships.
- 19% of users reported better and 17% reported a lot better sense of humor.
- 19.3% of users reported better and 15.7% reported a lot better mental and emotional health.
- 14.5% of users reported better and 11.1% reported a lot better romance in life.
- 17.3% of users reported better and 10.9% reported a lot better mental/cognitive skills.
- 12.8% of users reported better and 8.8% reported a lot better physical health.
For more information about the benefits of hearing aids or to schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert, call the Georgia Hearing Center at ENT of Athens today.