Why Not Wearing Hearing Aids Can Be Damaging

Why Not Wearing Hearing Aids Can Be Damaging

Losing your hearing or developing hearing loss can be frustrating and difficult to acclimate to. Let’s face it; whether it’s based on stigma, anxiety, or perhaps a touch of stubbornness, there are so many reasons why people avoid wearing hearing aids. However, delaying the process of wearing hearing aids can be harmful and even worsen your remaining auditory capacity. In all honesty, it can also impact your confidence and quality of life. So rather than struggling to participate in conversations and go about your typical day, perhaps it’s time to leap. Here, we’ll explain why not wearing hearing aids can be damaging, when you need to start your hearing aid journey, and how to find and wear hearing aids. 

Causes and Side Effects of Hearing Loss

Hearing involves many different parts of the ear and part of our brain. But briefly, in our ears, we have tiny hair cells that help us hear. They are, surprisingly, not made of hair at all. But they are named so because they are thin and long compared to other cells in our body. When sound makes these hair cells move, they help transduce movement so our brains can register the sound. But, over time, these hair cells become damaged and die, and among other age-related ear and brain changes, this causes hearing loss. Unfortunately, these hair cells don’t grow back.

Any damage and hair cell death is permanent, so we lose our hearing over time. Of course, several factors determine how fast we lose our hearing – this can include genetics, how often and how long we experience loud noises, and if we have a condition that causes hearing loss. However, suppose you find it hard to hear either soft ambient noise, quiet conversations, or everyday conversations held at an average noise level. In that case, you likely have mild or moderate hearing loss. Besides noticing that you can’t hear as well, let’s look at some other common side effects of hearing loss. 

Side Effects of Hearing Loss

Besides not being unable to hear as well as you used to, there are other side effects of hearing loss that many people may not know about. People with hearing loss can experience social isolation and brain atrophy, which can lead to dementia. Our brain decodes sound for us to understand, and when we can’t hear as well anymore, our brain doesn’t get this exercise, which results in brain atrophy. When you don’t participate in conversations and social settings, you increase your risk of developing dementia. These are, of course, the worst-case scenarios. But hearing loss by itself is frustrating. And this alone can lead to a strain on your interpersonal relationships and your confidence. Stay confident and secure in your relationships by finding and wearing hearing aids that are right for you!

Finding and Wearing Hearing Aids

To alleviate your hearing loss, both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are available. These two types of hearing aids differ in various ways, but wearing hearing aids regardless of their type is essential in hearing health. The main difference between prescription and OTC hearing aids, besides one being prescription versus over-the-counter, is that OTC hearing aids are for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. On the other hand, prescription hearing aids can help people with different or more severe hearing loss. Nevertheless, let’s go through more differences between the two.

Prescription Hearing Aids

If you’re unsure of how severe your hearing loss is, consulting a medical professional can help you decide which kind of hearing aid you need. Your healthcare provider can prescribe hearing aids that are right for you. However, this process can cost time and money, which is why OTC hearing aids are another option. OTC hearing aids are also typically less expensive than prescription hearing aids, and they’re available in pharmacies and online. 

OTC Hearing Aids

OTC hearing aids help individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. If this is your range of hearing loss, you can easily purchase them from stores or online sources. There are many different kinds of OTC hearing aids available, and they have an assortment of features. Choosing a specific model of OTC hearing aids comes down to preference, depending on what features and design you’d like. Once you’ve found a pair that works best for you, it's essential to wear them regularly so you can enjoy hearing your loved ones and have a better time participating in social settings.

Risks of Not Wearing Your Hearing Aid

There are risks of not wearing your hearing aid, so it's important to find hearing aids that work for you and your lifestyle. Just as delaying getting hearing aids can be detrimental to your health, so is not wearing them once you get them. Hearing sound helps the brain remain active, which lowers the risk of dementia. Proper hearing helps one’s brain to remain active. Wearing hearing aids is a preventative measure for age-related ailments, so be sure to wear them when you find the right pair for you. 

Regain Your Hearing With Soundwave

From the causes of hearing loss and side effects of hearing loss to the risks of not wearing your hearing aids, this guide describes why not wearing hearing aids can be damaging. Investing in hearing aids, either prescription or OTC, is an investment in your health and quality of life.

At Soundwave, we want our clients to achieve simple, affordable, and effortless hearing. We offer top-of-the-line Sontro® Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids that combine machine learning and audio technology for an excellent hearing experience.