We all know that change is an inevitable part of life and that sometimes those changes can  lead to us becoming less social. There can be many reasons for a decrease in social interaction, but new research from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden also shows that for those with hearing loss this decrease in social activity is intensified. Thus, it is very important to identify and treat hearing loss as soon as possible.

In this recent study, 400 people from 80 to 98 years old were monitored over a 6 year period.
Every two years the subjects underwent assessments of physical and mental abilities as well as what changes, if any, they had undergone in their social behavior. The study found that the participants who suffered hearing loss were less outgoing — even if they remained emotionally stable. The researchers also pointed out that they did not find a connection between increased social isolation and physical or mental impairments, or problems the participants had in finding social activities. The researchers concluded that hearing loss is what made the participants less outgoing.

This conclusion of course seems pretty obvious as it’s difficult to socialize when you can’t hear well, but it also underscores the importance of not ignoring hearing loss. The sooner one seeks treatment for a hearing loss, the better the results will be in the long term.

If you are concerned about your hearing, or if you just want to make sure everything is okay, then please give us a call. This months is designated by the hearing industry as “Better Hearing Month” and we are offering free hearing tests though the 31st.