Did you know almost four out of five people who would benefit from hearing aids never experience the life-changing benefits they can bring? On average, people wait almost five years before taking action to treat their hearing loss. As we celebrate Better Hearing and Speech Month this May, Michael Michelli, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology and owner of Brandywine Hearing Center, with offices in Dover, Wilmington, Newark and Millsboro, is highlighting the top five life-changing benefits wearing hearing aids can provide. Are you or a loved one ready to take the first step on your hearing care journey?
Improved mental health
Hearing loss can increase your risk of developing depression and anxiety disorders. Difficulty hearing can impact every facet of our lives, and coping with it can be a struggle. After all, it can be more than a little disheartening and scary when you have a hard time hearing what’s going on around you. This is where hearing aids can help. By helping you hear the world around you, hearing aids increase your sense of control and independence while reducing stress, anxiety and depression, leading to a better mental state and mood.
Decreased risk of cognitive decline
Hearing health has a significant impact on overall brain health and function. Recent findings have linked hearing loss to a higher rate of mental decline and a higher risk of developing dementia. The good news – the same studies have found that using hearing aids to address hearing loss can significantly lower that increased risk.
Lower risk of falls
Problems with balance have long been linked to the ears. From vertigo caused by dislodged calcium crystals in the ear to dizziness triggered by problems within the inner ear, our balance and ears are intrinsically linked. And did you know that hearing loss can affect your balance so much that it can increase the fall risk? Fortunately, wearing hearing aids can help. A study by the Washington School of Medicine in St. Louis showed that wearing hearing aids can improve balance and decrease fall risk.
Improved social life
Coming to terms with hearing loss can feel overwhelming. Ignoring it can not only make it worse, but it can also significantly impact your family, work and social life. With the increased confidence that comes with being able to hear the world around you when wearing hearing aids comes the willingness to take part in more social interactions. Hearing aids can help you build stronger relationships with loved ones and better workplace productivity.
Reduced tinnitus symptoms
Tinnitus is more common than you may think, affecting at least one in five people in the U.S. By amplifying the sounds around you, hearing aids can help distract from the ringing caused by tinnitus. Plus, there are excellent sound therapy features in hearing aids and apps, such as the Beltone Tinnitus Calmer app, which offers a combination of sound therapy and relaxing exercises to help provide relief from tinnitus.
Ready to change your life?
It’s important to get your hearing checked regularly and make it part of your annual wellness routine. Brandywine Hearing Center featuring Beltone is here to help you every step of the way as we offer hearing solutions for all lifestyles, budgets, and hearing loss types, as well as complimentary hearing evaluations.
Brandywine Hearing Center featuring Beltone has offices in Dover, Wilmington, Newark and Millsboro. You can schedule a complimentary hearing evaluation by calling 302-674-8800 for Dover, Newark or Millsboro and 302-478-4942 for Wilmington. For more information, visit us at brandywinehearing.com
Michael Michelli, Au.D., FAAA, has been an Audiologist for more than 25 years, having received his Clinical Doctorate in Audiology from the Arizona School of Health Science – AT Still University.
Dr. Michelli has owned Brandywine Hearing Center since 2010 and recently expanded the business to four offices. He is active in multiple hearing healthcare organizations. He is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, the International Hearing Society and the Hearing Society of Maryland, Delaware, and DC, where he served two terms as President. He is passionate about hearing health care, hearing loss prevention, and treatment of both hearing loss and tinnitus.