Hearing and Your Health
Hearing loss is very common, affecting over 48 million people in the U.S. Your hearing plays an important role in your overall health and well-being. When left untreated, hearing loss can lead to serious health conditions, cognitive decline, depression, social isolation, and even dementia. It’s important to manage the signs of hearing loss early in order to maintain your cognitive functioning and to feel your best.
Hearing and the Brain
Our hearing is a crucial part in how we communicate and experience the world around us. Did you know that we don’t hear when sound reaches the ear? We actually hear when sound travels through the ear and reaches the auditory cortex of the brain. When the brain doesn’t hear certain sounds or tones because of hearing loss, then your brain will eventually forget those sounds. Over time, this can lead to cognitive decline and even dementia. At Quednau Hearing, we can help you maintain your hearing and keep your brain healthy through the use of hearing aids.
Recognizing the Signs
of Hearing Loss
It can be difficult to recognize the signs of hearing loss at first. Often times, your hearing will deteriorate gradually, over the course of a few years. This can make it difficult to identify the signs of hearing loss because your brain has become accustomed to not hearing well.
Below are some common signs of hearing loss. If any of the following signs apply to you, then you should make an appointment for a hearing evaluation.
- You frequently ask people to repeat themselves.
- You often respond with “What?” or “Huh?”
- You have difficulty understanding conversation when there is background noise.
- Sounds and speech seem muffled.
- You can hear sounds but you lack clarity.
- You hear a ringing in your ears.
- You need the volume up high on the TV or radio.
- Women and children’s voices are harder for you to hear.