A sound quality of life determines the close-knit relationships you have with your friends and family. Having a strong support system contributes to reducing stress. It also builds up your physical and mental health.
On the other hand, a poor quality of life can contribute to cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and delayed cancer recovery. It will also take longer for wounds to heal. Poor quality of life can lead to inflammatory diseases and will affect immune function. Furthermore, having a social life will help you to live a long and happy life.
The Connection between Hearing Aid and Communication
According to a research study done by (Cohen, Am Psych 2004), having a social support system will make life more meaningful and will aid in reducing stress and increase ‘happiness’ hormones. When a loved one shows strong support, it will improve the effectiveness of the treatment. Two research studies have connected the relationship between having a strong social support system and the use of hearing aids.
Audiologists should take note of these research findings. According to Singh, Lau, and Pichora-Fuller, there is a strong argument to support the positive outcome of social support system in connection with the success of hearing aid, mainly hearing aid satisfaction.
According to Amieva, Ouvrard, Giulioli, et al., hearing aid may improve social interactions by regaining the ability to communicate. It will further result in the development of memory and thinking skills (Amieva, J Am Geriatr Soc 2015).
Hearing Aid Use and Prevention of Cognitive Decline
Many clients have asked if buying hearing aid would protect them from going senile. There is evidence proving that there is a strong possibility that it might prevent senility if the affected person remains sociable and use the rehabilitation given to restore hearing loss. Individuals who wear hearing aids are more confident and more socially active. They also have better moods.
Several hours of usage and other factors related to the hearing device has attributed to the success of hearing aid use. Factors such as sound quality, instrument reliability, the comfort level of loud noises can determine the effectiveness of a hearing device (Wong, Trends Amplif 2003).
Social support has much bearing on the matter. New users have a much stronger hearing aid satisfaction than long-term users. To get a fuller understanding of social connection and hearing aid, you will need to examine the emotional and informational support that come from family and friends.
A strong support system is crucial during the rehabilitation process. It is not always about bellowing so that a person with hearing loss can hear. Sometimes there is a difficulty with sounds and words. Family, friends and caregivers need to develop a strategy when communicating with someone suffering from hearing loss. They should motivate and encourage the person with the use of hearing aid.
When communicating, both parties should make sure that they understand each other. It will contribute to the success of the hearing device. Clear and concise communication with physicians can also add to the improvement of hearing aid satisfaction. Family members and caregivers should assist with battery insertion and removal of the device. They should also teach the person with hearing loss how to use the listening device.
The Importance of Social Support
There is added stress when an individual suffers from significant hearing loss. Simple things such as hearing the telephone ring or the alarm sounds prove problematic. The person may not understand when several people are talking at the same time. The ability to use listening devices can improve the individual’s sense of purpose. It will enhance his or her mental and physical health.
Audiologists should think of communication strategies by looking into the patient’s social history and how well the patient performs on a day to day basis. They should pay particular attention to how effectively the use of listening devices will improve social relationships. When hearing aids get utilized in a group setting during aural rehabilitation, more social support is available. The group setting will help the patient to cope better with psychological difficulties due to hearing loss.
The work of Singh, et al. focuses more on increasing the hours of use. Instead, there should be more emphasis placed on improving a social support system with family, friends, and caregivers. With the support system as mentioned above, audiologists will have a much better way of treating patients with hearing loss.
About Dr Stella Fulman
Dr. Stella Fulman, AU.D., CCC-A received her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Audiology from Brooklyn College in 2004 and her Doctorate of Audiology from Salus University in 2008. [ Learn More ]
