Ear to Hear in Mesa

Here in Mesa, the most common jobs held by residents are food service, sales, administrative, healthcare support, and cleaning and maintenance. All of these occupations require clear communication. With untreated hearing loss, speech recognition becomes difficult and can lead to difficulties in communication.

Studies have shown that people with untreated hearing loss have lower earning power than their colleagues with normal hearing or their colleagues who treat their hearing loss with hearing aids. The benefits of treating hearing loss extend far beyond a paycheck as well.

For many older Americans, untreated hearing loss can be an incredibly isolating experience. Studies from Finland have shown that older people with untreated hearing loss have a limited “life space,” meaning they are not confident to move around as much in their neighborhood as do people with normal hearing. Here in Mesa, approximately 80% of people drive on their own to get from place to place, including their commute to work. With hearing loss, this could compromise your driving abilities.

Furthermore, social isolation could contribute to a greater risk for developing depression and anxiety. Additionally, social isolation could contribute to an increased risk for dementia, as does leaving hearing loss untreated. Studies from Johns Hopkins University have found links between untreated hearing loss and diminished cognitive abilities, which could increase the risk for dementia.