Executive Team Search Online hearing test Find a provider HEARING AIDS HEARING LOSS TINNITUS VETERANS SUPPORT Reasons to get help Hearing loss plays a significant role in many issues that impact our quality of life. That is why experts recommend early treatment. Hearing loss impacts our emotional well-being When we hear our best, there’s nothing stopping us from enjoying the sounds of laughter, music, nature or conversations with family and friends. Hearing these sounds helps fuel us, and undeniably makes moments more memorable and life more enjoyable. When hearing is impaired, those sounds we’ve taken for granted fade — leading to a cascade of changes that could impact us emotionally. Hearing loss might cause embarrassment Missing favorite sounds might lead to sadness Missing critical information could create anxiety Not hearing conversations clearly might lead to feeling left out Feeling left out can lead to depression and social isolation Hearing loss increases the risk for dementia three ways: 1. Source: The Lancet Commissions 2. Source: Frontiers in Psychology 3. Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine Hearing loss impacts our physical and mental health Hearing loss plays a significant role in our physical and mental well-being — with a growing body of research linking hearing loss to dementia and cognitive decline. When we hear our best, it’s easy to stay engaged, alert and active. When hearing is impaired, our sense of space shrinks, warning cues get missed, and we withdraw from social activities or situations. This leaves our physical and mental health vulnerable. Adults with hearing loss are up to 5 times more likely to develop dementia4 Hearing loss is linked to a three-fold risk of falling5 Accidental injuries are up to 50 percent more likely for people with hearing loss6 4. Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine 5. Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine 6. Source: JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery Hearing loss impacts everyday life More than anything else, hearing keeps us connected to the world around us. Whether it’s communicating with friends and family, interacting with colleagues, enjoying a recital, movie or TV show, or waking up to birds singing outside your window — when you hear better, you simply live better. But when hearing is impaired, those connections, interactions and moments can be muted and strained, which has an impact on our quality of life. Missing a grandchild’s first words or a family dinner story Feeling left out of a conversation or a good joke Limiting once-fun social activities Feeling less independent, less confident and less secure Frustrating loved ones with constant requests to repeat what was said Not living life to the fullest because hearing loss is holding you back *Statistics listed above pulled from 2017 WebMD Healthcare Professionals and Hearing Aid Wearer Study commissioned by Starkey Hearing Technologies. WebMD does not endorse any products or services. Next: Help a loved one Frequently asked questions Won't wearing a hearing aid make me stand out? How will a hearing aid improve my quality of life? Will a hearing aid restore my hearing? Is there a connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline? How does hearing loss affect my overall health and wellness? What are some advances in hearing aid technology? You might also like: To treat or not to treat What should you do if you have hearing loss? This short video might help you with your answer. Watch now Do’s and don’ts of dealing with hearing loss New to hearing loss? Here are 10 things you might want to know. Get 10 tips The five stages of hearing loss Hearing loss typically happens gradually. In what stage of hearing loss are you? Find out HEARING AIDS Hearing aids Reviews Costs & financing Tinnitus For veterans Hearing aid finder HEARING LOSS Online hearing test Types & causes Signs of hearing loss Treatment Help a loved one SUPPORT Get help Learn how Videos Warranty Operations manuals ABOUT STARKEY About us Careers News Blog Newsletter Contact us Media inquiries Starkey Cares Hear better. Live better. SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UPDATES FROM STARKEY Your email Starkey Hearing Foundation Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube Linked In Blog © 2007-2021 Starkey Laboratories, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Free better hearing guide Internet sales policy Privacy & terms Trademarks Global locations Privacy Notice We use cookies on our websites to personalize your experience, provide social media features, and analyze traffic. By using this site, you agree to our use of cookies. We may also collect and share personal information, as described in our privacy policy. Please review our privacy policy for more information about your privacy rights, including under the California Consumer Privacy Act, and the General Data Protection Regulation. Ok