I recently had the opportunity to join King 5’s New Day Northwest to discuss an issue that affects millions of people but often goes unaddressed: hearing loss.
It’s More Common Than You Think
One of the first things I wanted viewers to understand is just how common hearing loss really is. Millions of adults experience some degree of hearing difficulty but are unaware of it. It can be caused by factors such as aging, noise exposure, certain medications, underlying medical conditions or genetic predisposition. Some people are even born with it.
The challenging part is that hearing loss often develops gradually, so people may not notice the changes until day-to-day communication becomes difficult.
Signs of Hearing Loss
Family gatherings and social situations often make the signs more noticeable. The most common thing I hear from patients is that they feel like everyone around them is mumbling. You might find yourself saying “what” or “huh” more often, asking people to repeat themselves or struggling to follow conversations in noisy places like restaurants.
Other signs include turning up the TV louder than before, feeling tired after social interactions or avoiding certain situations because hearing has become too complicated.
Many people assume that hearing loss is simply a natural part of aging. The truth is that hearing keeps us connected to the people and experiences that matter. Addressing hearing loss can improve communication, strengthen relationships, boost confidence and enhance overall quality of life.
The Brain Health Connection
One of the most important topics we discussed on the segment was the link between hearing loss and brain health. Research shows a strong correlation between hearing loss and cognitive decline.
The good news is that hearing loss is something that can be treated. When we do, we take pressure off the brain. Hearing aids make listening easier and free up energy that would otherwise be spent trying to fill in missing sounds. Hearing keeps the brain active, and supporting that activity is an important part of staying sharp.
Treatment Options
There are many ways to address hearing loss. Hearing aids are the most common solution and come in modern and discreet styles that fit behind the ear or in the ear.
Some people benefit from assistive devices such as microphones or TV streamers. For more severe hearing loss, a cochlear implant candidacy may be considered. There are also bone-anchored devices for certain types of hearing loss involving the outer or middle ear.
Take the First Step
Hearing shapes how we communicate, how we participate and how connected we feel to the people around us. Addressing changes early can make everyday conversations easier and support long-term brain health and emotional well-being. When hearing starts to slip, life often becomes more challenging than it needs to be, which is why early evaluation is crucial.
At Puget Sound ENT, our audiologists provide thorough hearing evaluations, personalized treatment plans and ongoing support to help patients stay engaged and confident in their daily lives.
Don’t delay. Schedule your hearing evaluation today.