Have your friends, family, and co-workers been asking you to get hearing aids but you’ve been stubbornly avoiding it? Are you feeling that presently you really don’t need a hearing aid or that you’re not losing enough to justify purchasing one?
Even if you believe you’re doing ok at the moment, your hearing loss could catch up with you – and if it does, it could potentially cost you upwards of $30,000 per year. Not only could you end up hurting yourself by neglecting your hearing loss, you could also cost yourself income and lost opportunities by not hearing important medical or work details.
Lost opportunities and unemployment
If you do not hear everything you’re supposed to, it will eventually effect your work performance. Your inability to hear coworkers may be causing a breakdown in relationships and you could get passed over on opportunities for future projects because you failed to follow instructions on past projects. You could end up being overlooked by people at all levels if you become socially isolated at work. You might not be able to reach your max earning potential as these “small” things add up over time. People who are treating their hearing loss earn, on average, $20,000 more than people with neglected hearing loss according to a study done by the Better Hearing Institute.
Research also indicates that individuals with neglected hearing loss have an increased risk of being unemployed. A neglected profound hearing loss translates into a 15 percent higher chance of being unemployed. Not seeking treatment, consequently, could cost you lot’s of money as the years go on.
Falls will cost you even more in medical expenses
You’ll have a higher likelihood of falling if you have neglected hearing loss which can deal you another financial setback. One study found that even individuals with mild neglected hearing loss raise their risk of falling by 300%. also, there is a 1.4-fold increase in falls for every additional 10 dB of hearing loss. The researchers speculated that there might be a link between the degree of hearing loss and effects on the vestibular system, which deals with balance, or that individuals with greater impairment just became more caught up in compensating for the loss than paying attention to specific physical hazards. And when you have a fall it frequently results in a costly trip to the doctor.
Increased general health issues
But there’s more to it than only that. You may be missing some of the advice from your doctor if you have neglected hearing loss. When it involves your health, you could have negative results if you miss details and that can lead to increased health costs. A huge financial gap will be the consequence. Numerous studies have connected neglected hearing loss to considerably increased medical expenses over time. One study noted the average increase was more than $20,000 over a ten year period and that these individuals were 40% more likely to go to the emergency room. The University of South Carolina published a study that revealed a 33% increase in healthcare expenses for individuals with untreated hearing loss over an 18 month period.
Moderate to profound neglected hearing loss can result in a significantly increased danger of death according to a study published by Johns Hopkins University.
So, if you want to protect yourself both physically and financially, it’s time to get your hearing tested. You may need hearing aids depending on the results of that test. If you do, you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised. Hearing aids today are state-of-the-art, really comfortable to wear, and sound clear. Make your total life better by taking advantage of this fantastic technology.
Call Today to Set Up an Appointment
References
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2018/patients-with-untreated-hearing-loss-incur-higher-health-care-costs-over-time