Those affected often suffer in silence: If hearing loss is left untreated, this condition threatens

There is a risk of social withdrawal, depression and even dementia

“Those affected often confront the situation unconsciously,” says Dörig. When interacting with others, they paid more attention to their conversation partners’ lip movements. They would also have to concentrate more to follow the conversations. It is especially difficult to understand speech in a noisy environment (for example, a restaurant). “Thus, those affected often experience social withdrawal.” This can affect mental health and cause depression.

Dörig says that it is known from recent scientific studies that hearing loss is an important risk factor for the development of dementia. “However, it has not been proven whether hearing loss directly causes dementia. “But we hypothesize that good hearing, and therefore good auditory input, is important for mental conditioning.”

It’s better to consider hearing aids early

For these reasons, the expert says, it is important to recognize hearing loss early and decide on hearing aids early – even if the threshold for preventing it is high for most of those affected. Dörig also observes that hearing aids remain stigmatizing. Someone purchasing hearing aids in their 50s or 60s often fears that they will be classified as elderly and in need of assistance. In daily clinical practice, the following situation arises again and again: “Anyone who wears a hearing aid often looks back and wishes they had decided to do so much earlier.” In many cases, improved hearing ability outweighs the feared stigma.

A hearing aid cannot compensate for organic hearing loss. “But it can significantly improve hearing and speech understanding,” says Dörig. He also emphasizes how important it is to take enough time to get used to hearing aids. “Those affected lost their previous hearing ability within a few years.”

Lip reading also helps

The brain also needs time to adjust to the enhanced listening experience. “It can be challenging and requires patience,” says Dörig. “After about three months, the hearing aid needs to be adjusted correctly and our brain needs to adjust accordingly.”

Dörig says there is currently no medical alternative to hearing aids for hearing loss in old age. “But if you learn to read the lips of the person you’re talking to, you can gain additional benefits.” Pro Audito offers special materials and online courses for this purpose.