Hearing aid users are three times more likely to be “happier” than those who do not use them, since diagnosing and managing hearing loss is key to being able to have a happier and healthier life, as extracted from the latest study carried out by the Audika Group and YouGov, in which 24,000 people have participated. from 14 countries.
In this research, which is part of the initiative ‘Pamper your ears’, the health and happiness of users who use hearing aids and those who do not have been analyzed, before and after undergoing a hearing test. A correctly fitted hearing aid offers an immediate and 1 in 5 people perceive that their daily use “change life”points out is study.
In addition to the feelings caused by changing your life, it is necessary to pay special attention to the improvements in mental health. Specifically, mental health levels improve notably in people who take action in the face of hearing loss and opt for quality and precision treatment. A 50% of people living with hearing loss are more likely to experience depression and anxiety if they don’t treat it.
People who wear hearing aids are 3 times more likely to be happier than those who don’t, and 1 in 4 say they have better relationships personal
Hearing loss is one of the three most stigmatizing aspects of aging with 35%, only behind dementia (54%) and frailty (40%). Globally, the main health concern it is dementia, according to 72% of those surveyed internationally and 77% of those surveyed in Spain.
However, 85% of them were unaware of the associated risk between . Therefore, treating hearing loss early, before or in the middle of life, is one of 12 modifiable risk factors in dementiaas recognized by a prestigious study published in 2020 in the prestigious journal The Lancet.
In relation to the data obtained in this study, the Dr. Husmita Ratanjee-Vanmalihead of audiology at the Audika Group, points out that “the hearing loss should not be related to aging. The results indicate that people who sought help with their hearing report being happier, leading healthier lives and having more satisfying relationships. By contrast, the Lancet study highlights the effects of untreated hearing loss on mental health and cognitive decline.”.
Treating hearing loss improves personal relationships
In addition, the study shows the positive impact treating hearing loss has on personal relationships. Since treatment of hearing loss begins, the 40% of hearing aid users say they have better conversationsa third feel more connected to their family, and one in four say they appreciate a stress reduction in their personal relationships.
In Spain, 68% of those surveyed state that, thanks to the use of hearing aids, they feel more connected with family and loved ones and more than 60% guarantee that their relationship with them has improved by being able to have better conversations.
In this sense, Alba Gonzalez Jimenezhearing care professional affirms that “the benefits are clear: people in the research sample who have been started on hearing aids say feel younger, more empowered, and closer to loved ones«. “People are 20% less likely to feel older, while 1 in 3 feel more control over their lives and 1 in 4 consider having better relationships”highlights this expert.
By 2050, one in four people worldwide will have hearing loss.
the awareness campaign “Pamper your ears” try to reduce estimated hearing problems for years to come. And it is that, as collected in this study, by 2050 one in four people worldwide will be living with hearing lossand up to a third will not be diagnosed or treated.
“We have to be more careful with our ears, because the risk of hearing loss can be reduced”warns Alba González Jiménez, pointing out that “small gestures like turning down the volume on your headphones, wearing hearing protection when directed by a professional, getting tested regularly and from an early age are keys to take care of your hearing. Because pampering your ears means taking a proactive approach to hearing.”.
The study warns that while 1 in 3 people globally plan to book an eye test in 2022, only 1 in 10 intend to schedule a hearing test.
Dr. Husmita Ratanjee-Vanmali concludes that “must take our hearing loss more seriouslyand there are free and affordable ways to better manage our hearing health. Get a free hearing test and use hearing aids it can help you hear better, feel more connected, and improve your quality of life. The can provide immediate insight into your hearing in just five minutes”.