Hearing Healthcare of Virginia has teamed up with The Better Hearing Institute for some time on a free hearing guide to raise awareness of the link between unaddressed hearing loss and depression, in support of World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10.
Hearing Healthcare of Virginia has made it easy for anyone age 50+ to get a free hearing screening at one of our six offices through our Wellness Program.
Studies show people with hearing loss who use hearing aids often have less depressive symptoms, greater social engagement and improved quality of life.
Here are some free options for you or your loved one now.
- Free Online Test: Hearing Healthcare of Virginia is encouraging people to take our free online confidential hearing test at http://www.hearvirginia.com/hearing-info/take-online-hearing-test/
- Free Baseline Hearing Test: Or if you are age 50+, we encourage people to schedule a free baseline hearing screening at one of our six offices in Virginia. It’s only 15 minutes, and it’s free. Schedule your free screening online at http://www.hearvirginia.com/community-wellness/
- Free Hearing Guide: Want to know more about hearing? Get your free copy of the Better Hearing Institute’s Guide to Better Hearing online now. Request your guide at http://www.hearvirginia.com/hearing-aids-2/special-offers/
Did you know that more than 5 percent of the world’s population – 360 million people – have disabling hearing loss?
According to BHI, a 2014 study showed that hearing loss is associated with an increased risk in depression in adults of all ages, but is most pronounced in 18 to 69 year olds.
Another study, says BHI, looked at working adults in Italy, ages 35 to 55, with untreated hearing loss and found they were more prone to depression, anxiety, and interpersonal sensitivity than those with no hearing problems.
The good news, says BHI, is that the vast majority of people with hearing loss can be helped by hearing aids. And the research says that with hearing aids, there is a reduction in depressive symptoms.
And there is no reason to wait to find out more about how hearing aids can help you or a loved one. Eight out of 10 hearing aids users say they’re satisfied with the changes that have occurred in their lives due to hearing aids.
Five Mental Health-Minded Reasons to Get a Hearing Test
From the Better Hearing Institute
There’s a lot more to hearing loss than just sound. Getting a hearing test and using professionally fitted hearing aids-when recommended by a hearing healthcare professional-is an important way for people with hearing loss to safeguard their mental health and quality of life. Here’s why.
(1) Ignoring hearing loss hurts quality of life. Research shows that when left unaddressed, hearing loss is frequently associated with other physical, mental, and emotional health issues that diminish quality of life. Depression, withdrawal from social situations, a lessened ability to cope, and reduced overall psychological health are just some of the conditions associated with unaddressed hearing loss.
(2) Addressing hearing loss boosts mood. People with untreated hearing loss often feel angry, frustrated, anxious, isolated, and depressed. But research shows that when they use hearing aids, their mental health often rallies. Many regain emotional stability, become more socially engaged, feel a greater sense of safety and independence, and see a general improvement in their overall quality of life.
(3) Using hearing aids can help bolster self-confidence.Research shows that when people with hearing loss use hearing aids, many feel more in control of their lives and less self-critical. One BHI study found that the majority of people with mild and severe hearing loss felt better about themselves and life overall as a result of using hearing aids.
(4) Good communication enriches relationships and social support. Healthy relationships rest largely on good communication. In one BHI study, nearly 7 out of 10 participants reported improvements in their ability to communicate effectively in most situations because of their hearing aid use. More than half said using hearing aids improved their relationships at home, their social lives, and their ability to join in groups. Many even saw improvements in their romance.
(5) Today’s hearing aids are better than ever and virtually invisible. Dramatic new technological advances have revolutionized hearing aids in recent years. Many are virtually invisible, sitting discreetly and comfortably inside the ear canal. Some are even waterproof or rechargeable. Best of all, they’re wireless. That means they’re able to stream sound from smartphones, home entertainment systems, and other electronics directly into your hearing aid(s) at volumes just right for you. Simply, today’s hearing aids help people of all ages maintain active, healthy lifestyles.
LIMITED TIME OFFER
Ask about our Community Wellness Program.
Free Annual Baseline Hearing Screening
For Anyone Age 50+
Share
Contributors
