Hearing loss is really common; more than 48 million people in Louisville and around the country are currently suffering from it. Even though it affects nearly 20 percent of the population, it is often still stigmatized. Because of that, it should come as no surprise that only about 20 percent of those with hearing loss that could benefit from the use of a hearing aid actually wear one. And of the folks that use a hearing aid, it takes an average of seven years for them to finally seek help.
If you are one of the millions of people in Louisville with hearing loss and have been debating if a hearing aid is right for you, I have something that may sway your vote – cold hard cash. Turns out, treating your hearing loss can help your career.
Below are three ways hearing aids can improve your work life.
Improved Communication
Communication is an important part of most jobs. This means those with untreated hearing loss start off at a disadvantage. A study conducted by the Better Hearing Institute found that employees with hearing loss struggle most when speaking over the phone or conversing with their coworkers. Using a hearing aid can help.
Decreased Cognitive Load
Untreated hearing loss affects more than just your ability to hear. Turns out, hearing loss places an extra burden on the part of your brain responsible for identifying and processing sounds. This leads to a lack of concentration and memory, resulting in decreased productivity. It also leads to mental and physical exhaustion.
A study by the University of Texas at El Paso showed that using hearing aids helped individuals decrease their cognitive load, which in turn resulted in improved memory and processing speed.
Increased Confidence
Having confidence in yourself can help you move up and succeed in your career. Since hearing loss makes it harder for you to communicate with others, it can hurt your self-perception and self-confidence. Studies found that those who used a hearing aid to treat their hearing loss have a more positive outlook and increased confidence.
Now, still think that treating your hearing loss is unnecessary? We didn’t think so. Contact your Louisville audiologist today to get started.