As you’ve been getting older, you’ve probably been trying to find ways to preserve your youthfulness.
Exercise, vitamins, and diet have all been part of your routine. You’ve spent more money than you’d like to admit on wrinkle creams and hair growth products. You even signed up for a Yoga class. It doesn’t matter how old you are, you can remain happy and youthful.
But the good news is, there’s an inexpensive way to keep that youthful happy feeling which has scientific backing. Yet, among individuals who would benefit, fewer than 16% are taking advantage of it.
The “trick” is simple – they’re using their hearing aids to manage their hearing loss.
This trick may be the secret to feeling happy and youthful as we age.
How Commonplace is Hearing Loss?
By the time you reach the age of 45, your risk of developing hearing loss rises significantly. Even children as young as 12 are affected.
According to a scientific study, 11% of individuals between the ages of 45 and 54 were experiencing some degree of hearing loss. It goes up to 90% by age 80. Of those between the ages of 65 and 74, almost 25 % experience debilitating hearing loss and that number increases to 50% by age 80.
Moreover, hearing loss is twice as common with men younger than 70 compared to women in the same age group.
Contrary to common notion most instances of hearing loss develop because of exposure to loud noise not aging. Over the course of their lives, some individuals are exposed to more damaging sound than others.
It isn’t inevitable that somebody will get hearing loss but countless studies have shown that your overall happiness, youthfulness, and health are affected by neglecting to address any hearing loss you’re already experiencing.
Yet only 1 in 7 people who should be wearing hearing aids wear them.
Your Secret to Happiness And Youthfulness is Your Hearing Aid
Using your hearing aid has been directly related to the following outcomes:
- Engaging in social situations 20% more often
You’ll concur, being around other people is one of the things that make life worthwhile. When you spend time doing things you like to do, with people you love, you feel younger and happier.
Individuals with hearing loss who use their hearing aids are more likely to stay active and social.
- Being 30% less likely to suffer from depression
Studies have shown that people who have hearing loss who use hearing aids are less likely to report sad feelings and loneliness, which is linked to depression.
They’re also less likely to feel like people are mad at them or attempting to avoid them. It’s not as common for them to practice self isolation.
Less depression means increased happiness.
- Being 24% less likely to experience mental decline
If you have a dad, mom, or aunt who is coping with dementia, you know how frightening it is for the family and the individual in mental decline. It takes longer for a person with cognitive decline to process things and they are constantly forgetting what they said and did which makes them feel older.
As cognitive decline progresses, the individuals who are coping with it are no longer capable of doing the things that make them feel youthful and happy.
If the straightforward act of using your hearing aid can lessen your chances of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, shouldn’t you be using it?
- Falling risk reduced by 30%
As we get older, the danger of falling and hurting ourselves becomes a bitter reality. When we were younger, we were definitely more stable. A hospital stay and several weeks of rehab could be the consequence if a serious fall results in a fracture.
That’s not where you want to spend your time. It’s no fun to be hospitalized in pain.
When you can get around easily, you live a happier life. You’re not as likely to be startled because you’re more confident with your movements.
Hearing aids will make a hospital stay less likely and will allow you to spend more time with family and friends.
- Arguments and misunderstandings are 30% less likely
How many times have you been involved in a misunderstanding because you failed to hear what someone actually said. Or perhaps you think somebody is yelling at you because they need to raise their voice so you can hear them.
A considerable strain on relationships can be the outcome of neglected hearing loss. It can create resentment, anger, sadness, and other unfavorable emotions. But you will have more positive interactions with friends and family if you can hear better which hearing aids will help you do. Whatever age you may be, this will help you remain happy and youthful.
Reclaim what you’ve lost
Have you been using your hearing aid? Many of the basic joys in life that you’ve been missing include:
- Social clubs and outings
- Music
- Children’s laughter
- Discussions with family and friends without needing them to speak louder
- The sounds of nature at your local park
If you have hearing loss, you might still hear these things to some extent but they are most likely not as enjoyable.