Speech comprehension and hearing loss are closely connected. Hearing loss prevents the brain from receiving sound signals which means those sounds are never processed and turned into information. Without being able to clearly hear words, you can’t process those words and make meaning from them.
The effects of hearing loss
Hearing loss can have negative effects on your overall health and well-being. Sometimes, hearing loss is the result of another underlying condition, such as heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure. For this reason, it’s important to have your hearing and your health evaluated regularly. Even if your hearing loss is not the result of another underlying condition, it can have many negative effects on your everyday life and well-being. Some of the effects of untreated hearing loss include:
- Social isolation
- Fatigue
- Cognitive decline
- Dementia
- Difficulties with speech comprehension
When you can’t hear well because of hearing loss you may feel embarrassed when you mishear the conversation. This can cause you to isolate yourself from other people and result in cognitive decline and even dementia.
Speech comprehension
Speech comprehension is our ability to hear sounds and transform them into information. Hearing loss can negatively affect your ability to comprehend speech because you can’t hear clearly. Certain words may be difficult to hear depending on the type and severity of your hearing loss. This can result in you missing words in a conversation. Over time, your brain will start to forget those words, and it will be harder to understand them.
What you can do
The best thing you can do to make sure you are maintaining your overall health and well-being is receive regular hearing screenings in addition to your other doctor visits.
To schedule a hearing aid consultation today, please call Audiology Associates at (661) 284-1900. Kevin Bolder, Au.D., Patrice Rifkind, Au.D., and John Davis, Au.D. are three of the best in Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valley. Visit our website at www.AudiologyAssociates.net or stop by our office located at 23838 Valencia Blvd, Suite 100, Valencia. We are hearing healthcare excellence.
