Here And Now
World Wellbeing Week 2021
.webp)
Hearing Health and Wellness
Over the last 18 months we have had to rely on our hearing much more than before, listening harder to hear people through facemasks and socialising via videocalls. However, for those with hearing loss, or tinnitus this hasn’t been an easy time and has often led to isolation and avoiding social situations and daily tasks.
It is well documented that hearing loss is connected to other health conditions. Outlined below are just some of the links between various conditions and hearing loss.
- Diabetes – Hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease – People with low frequency hearing loss are considered at risk of cardiovascular events.
- Hypertension – high blood pressure can be an accelerating factor of hearing loss in adults.
- Obesity – Higher BMI and larger waist circumference are associated with increased hearing loss in women.
- Smoking – Smokers have a 70% higher risk of having hearing loss than non-smokers.
- Safety/balance – People with mild hearing loss are 3x more likely to have a history with falling.
- Cognitive Decline – Older adults with hearing loss experience a 30-40% faster decline in cognitive abilities than peers with normal hearing
- Isolation – Untreated hearing loss can contribute to social isolation, anxiety, and depression.
Amongst these health factors, loneliness is one of the biggest health concerns related to hearing loss, with 1 in 3 adults aged 45 and above impacted. A constant state of loneliness can result in an increased risk of depression, dementia, and strokes.
Some hearing aids not only improve your hearing but also provide data on different aspects of your heath. Starkey uses their Thrive app to provide hearing aid wearers with a platform to adjust their hearing aids and information on their brain health and their activity levels. It is also the only hearing aid with fall detection and alerts built in! The Thrive app gives the wearer and their loved one’s peace of mind when it comes to monitoring their hearing and health.
The brain health function monitors hearing aid use and engagement with others. A healthy social life can reduce depression and stress, increasing brain health.
For more information regarding hearing health and health conditions, or any of our hearing aid brands contact is today.