Embracing Hearing Aids: A Game-Changer for Long-Term Health
This World Hearing Day (3rd March), our Director of Operations, Vikki, shares her journey with hearing loss – and why she’s now a proud hearing aid wearer.
I first noticed my hearing loss in my 30s while working in noisy TV production offices. I’d miss parts of conversations unless I was face-to-face and focused on whomever was speaking. At first, I reluctantly tried hearing aids, but I felt way too young to need them. I convinced myself I could manage without them.
Fast forward a few years, and working remotely at Included allowed me to control my sound environment, making hearing aids feel unnecessary. I thought I had it all figured out – until a family member pointed out just how often I was asking people to repeat themselves. That was my wake-up call. I realised just how much I was avoiding situations where I might struggle to hear, and I relied on tactics to get by, including TV subtitles or nodding and guessing when I missed part of a conversation.
Now, with a new set of NHS hearing aids, I’ve been blown away by the improved technology since my last pair in 2019. For example, I can control my hearing aids from my phone, and they act as Bluetooth headphones for calls and TV. After getting over the initial overstimulation of hearing everything so clearly, I now celebrate the difference they make in my daily life.
But beyond the immediate benefits, I’ve discovered something even more important – the link between hearing loss and long-term brain health.
Why Hearing Aids Matter for Long-Term Well-Being
- Sharper Brain Health – Hearing loss significantly increases the risk of dementia. A study from Johns Hopkins University found that mild hearing loss doubles dementia risk, while severe hearing loss increases it fivefold. Wearing hearing aids helps maintain cognitive function and reduces strain on the brain. (Lin et al., 2011, Archives of Neurology)
- Better Focus & Productivity – Struggling to hear in meetings leads to listening fatigue, making it harder to concentrate. Research from the University of Exeter found that hearing aid users perform better on cognitive tests, helping employees stay engaged and work efficiently. (Maharani et al., 2019, JAGS)
- Stronger Mental Well-being – The National Institute on Aging highlights the connection between hearing loss, social withdrawal, and depression. Wearing a hearing aid keeps individuals connected, supporting mental health and professional relationships. (NIA, 2021)
- Long-Term Protection – The Lancet Commission identifies hearing loss as the biggest modifiable risk factor for dementia, contributing to 8% of cases. Addressing hearing loss early can significantly reduce this risk. (Livingston et al., 2020, The Lancet)
I had no idea that untreated hearing loss could have such serious consequences – not just for communication, but for my long-term brain health. Now, I appreciate my hearing aids as an investment in my future, not just a tool to help me hear better today.
For many, hearing loss happens so gradually that it’s easy to ignore. But as research shows, acting early can make all the difference.
It’s taken me almost 15 years to fully embrace hearing aids, but now I realise hearing well isn’t just about convenience – it’s about protecting my brain, staying confident, and feeling connected. If you’re struggling, don’t wait – your future self will thank you.
And if you are an employer and/or leader, here are three things you should consider to support your employees:
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Improve communication
- Everyone’s needs are different so have an open conversation about what support your employee needs
- Think about nudges you can make that will help your communication, including maintaining eye contact and ensuring your face is visible for lip reading
- Make the most of readily available tech, including captions and transcriptions on Microsoft Teams and Zoom, or speech-to-text software like Otter.ai or Google’s Live Transcribe
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Make your workplace more accessible
- Consider the benefits of assistive technology, including hearing loop systems, captioning software or instant messaging for quick interactions
- Explore available support, including the Access to Work scheme (through DWP) which offers guidance and communication support, plus grants for assistive devices, or BSL interpreters.
- Introduce quiet workspace areas. Reduced background noise will improve focus and communication.
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Promote Inclusivity
- Offer reasonable adjustments, this could include flexible working, modified duties, or specialist equipment
- Consider training and awareness for the wider team, get in touch via [email protected] to find out more about Included’s disability awareness training
- Look at ways to make your meetings more inclusive. For example, share an agenda in advance, consider the meeting space – is there good lighting for lip-reading, is the meeting room quiet or is there background noise that could be minimised, and encourage turn-taking to avoid multiple people speaking at once
This World Hearing Day, take a moment to think about hearing health – it could be more important than you realise.
~ Vikki Barron
