Social and physical advantages of modern hearing aids

Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent conditions affecting senior citizens, where the function of the inner ear deteriorates with age, leading to varying degrees of hearing impairment. Long-term exposure to noise and certain medical conditions can exacerbate this condition, which is progressive and irreversible.

To address age-related hearing loss, hearing aids are typically recommended after conducting a thorough hearing test, such as pure tone audiometry, speech testing, auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and many others. Usually, an audiologist can perform several types of hearing tests to identify the definite cause.

The selection of hearing aids is based on numerous factors, such as the hearing test (audiogram), the individual's problem, lifestyle, and physical abilities. Here, digital hearing aids offer a natural sound quality and are thus comfortable to wear. These are programmed according to the audiogram of an individual and can be recalibrated as and when required.

Looking at the wide gamut of advantages hearing aids offer, it has the potential to enhance the lives of senior citizens. By addressing hearing loss, these devices not only improve overall well-being but also boost social interaction and engagement.

Generally, senior citizens experiencing hearing loss tend to isolate themselves. They avoid participating in social gatherings due to embarrassment stemming from difficulty in hearing and responding. To address the problem, hearing aids provide a natural sound quality that empowers senior citizens to interact effectively with their families and friends. Hearing aids enable the active participation of ageing people suffering from hearing problems and bodes well for driving seamless social interaction. They help restore their confidence to engage in conversations, thus keeping them actively involved. This engagement can improve cognitive function and mental health.

Focusing on the physical benefits of hearing aids, they play a crucial role in keeping other health ailments arising from untreated hearing loss. At the same time, the machine helps in avoiding any mishap or accident resulting from the inability to hear. While modern hearing aids prioritize speech clarity and reduce unwanted noises, they also preserve the ability to hear environmental sounds crucial for safety. Thus, hearing aids contribute to safety during daily activities and enhance overall environmental awareness.

Studies have shown that hearing aids can reduce the risk of falls among patients with hearing loss. Gait and balance are highly cognitive processes, and individuals with hearing loss may need to exert extra effort to concentrate on sounds, leaving fewer mental resources available for maintaining balance. By improving auditory perception, hearing aids can indirectly enhance balance and reduce the risk of falls.

Moreover, hearing loss is also responsible for an increased risk of Alzheimer's, dementia, and depression. The cognitive load of trying to hear sounds with untreated hearing loss can lead to mental fatigue and contribute to cognitive decline.

Therefore, by providing auditory support, hearing aids alleviate the strain of age-related hearing loss, potentially reducing the risk of mental health issues and promoting overall mental well-being in senior citizens. Once a person starts using hearing devices, it offers numerous social and physical benefits, significantly improving the quality of life for seniors with hearing impairment.

(The author is the Founder & Managing Director of HearClear India.)