Think back to some of your most cherished memories. Chances are they all contain one common variable: other people.
Humans are social creatures. From growing our friendships to bonding with our family, we crave connection and thrive when we feel supported and part of a group. Having strong relationships with others is important at any age, but it’s especially crucial for seniors.
According to a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are socially isolated. Older adults are at a greater risk for experiencing loneliness and social isolation because they are more likely to live alone, experience the loss of family or friends, have a chronic illness—and suffer from hearing loss.
Hearing loss can make it harder to communicate and maintain those crucial ties to loved ones. Feelings of frustration may arise while trying to hold a conversation, leading many individuals with hearing loss to self-isolate and become cut off from the people they care about most.
Evidence shows that for every decibel drop in hearing perception, the odds of becoming severely lonely increases by 7%. That means that when we can’t hear well, we don’t just miss out on sounds. We miss out on life.
Hearing devices can help bridge the gap and get us back to being part of the world. A study conducted by the Better Hearing Institute (BHI) supplies overwhelming data about the positive impacts of treating hearing loss with hearing devices, particularly when to comes to social connection.
The study surveyed more than 2,000 hearing loss patients who use devices to enhance their sense of sound. Of the sample group, 91% of patients indicated that they are satisfied with the ability of their hearing devices to improve communication in one-on-one situations, and 85% said their hearing devices improved communication in small groups.
Being able to communicate more easily also allowed users to connect more fully with family and friends. More than half of patients reported that hearing devices enhanced their relationships at home, social life and ability to join in while in groups.
These results are significant because they show a clear potential solution to the social isolation and lack of solid relationships that people with hearing loss may experience.
However, hearing changes can occur gradually, and many people aren’t aware there’s a problem at first.
If you’re concerned you or someone you care about may have a hearing loss, call Precision Hearing at 352-765-8008 today to schedule an evaluation.