We all want to stay healthy and happy as we age. Exercising and eating right are two obvious things we can do to help. But hearing our best has a big impact, too. Here’s how.
Hearing helps keep us social
When we hear clearly and without limitations, it’s second nature to be engaged, maintain connections, feel a part of conversations, and stay socially active.
Did you know that research shows that people who enjoy social relationships are more likely to live longer than those who are isolated and lonely?1
Hearing helps keep us alert and in control
Our sense of hearing plays a huge role in how confident we are and how safe we feel when we’re out and about. When we hear clearly, our spatial awareness opens up and we’re able to distinguish and react to audible cues that warn us of safety issues.
Did you know that individuals with good hearing are 2X less likely to experience accidental injuries2 and 3X less likely to have a history of falling than those with hearing loss?3
Hearing helps keep us mentally sharp
Numerous studies have linked untreated hearing loss to dementia4, a mental health challenge the World Health Organization predicts will triple by 20505.
Did you know that an international commission on dementia prevention recently confirmed that treating hearing loss in midlife was one thing people could do to help prevent or delay dementia?6
Hearing helps bring us joy
More than anything else, hearing our best helps keep us positive and vibrant. Whether it’s listening to the laughter of friends, the sound of a symphony, a child’s first words, ocean waves lapping, or a bird singing outside the window, hearing keeps us engaged, optimistic, and connected to the world around us.
Did you know that according to the AARP, optimism and a positive outlook adds 7.5 years to our life and an 80 percent reduction in cardiovascular risk?7
Add these up together, and you see why hearing professionals recommend we wear our hearing aids every day!
Sources:
1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/social-relationships-and-longevity
2. https://whtc.com/news/articles/2018/apr/24/hearing-loss-tied-to-higher-risk-of-accidental-injuries/
3. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/hearing_loss_linked_to_three_fold_risk_of_falling
4. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/hearing-loss-a-possible-risk-factor-for-dementia
5. https://www.who.int/features/factfiles/dementia/en/
6. https://www.thelancet.com/commissions/dementia2017
7. Disrupt Aging, AARP.org