Your hearing aids help you navigate the world and interact with others. However, it’s tempting to only wear them in certain situations, especially if you only have a mild or moderate hearing loss. In reality, wearing hearing aids during waking hours can directly benefit long-term health. Here’s what you should know.

Benefits of Wearing Hearing Aids

Hearing isn’t limited to the ears. The brain is responsible for processing incoming sound, from everyday noises like the neighbor’s lawn mower to important environmental cues like the sound of falling glass. If you are not wearing your aids, you have to strain your ears to hear, and your brain may work overtime to help you understand the world—which can impact memory and mental processing capabilities.

This situation can have serious ripple effects. One 2014 study found that hearing aids may help improve balance by providing auditory reference points. Without those reference points, you may increase the risk of injury from a fall. According to the CDC, millions of people aged 65 and older are sent to the emergency room each year due to injuries sustained from falls. Additional studies have found that people with hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia.

When to Wear Hearing Aids

Wear your hearing aids during waking hours, even if you’re alone at home. Getting into this habit will improve mental health and support the brain’s ability to process important cues from your surroundings. Take them out when you’re sleeping, bathing, and swimming, and limit their exposure to moisture to prolong their lifespan.

Hear better and maintain your quality of life with high-quality hearing aids. People throughout the Elizabethtown, KY, area trust the team at Heartland Better Hearing Inc, a hearing healthcare provider. Whether you have questions about hearing loss or need reliable maintenance services, you’ll find friendly staff, top-notch customer service, and high-quality products. To schedule a free evaluation, call (270) 735-9352, or visit them online to learn more about their history.