For anybody suffering from hearing loss, the message is straightforward: Get a hearing aid.
Why? A recent study found that people who obtained hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing impairment were less likely to develop depression, anxiety, dementia, and dangerous falls than those who did not receive hearing aids. While these health problems aren’t proven to be eliminated by hearing aids, fewer health issues have been linked to their use. The study reveals that seniors who use hearing aids had a 13% less likely chance of having a serious fall. They also had an 18% less likely chance of developing dementia and an 11% less likelihood of developing depression and anxiety.
Stop The Excuses
If these numbers seem low to you, it’s significant to remember that your health is at risk, and every little bit counts. Previous research has shown a correlation between hearing loss and other significant health issues, but this study verified it’s an ongoing, declining problem. But many people who have hearing loss don’t address it or ever use hearing aids. Why not? Not having the correct insurance to cover some of the expenses is a typical issue. And the expense may still be too high even with insurance.
Some individuals actually go in and get fitted but when they get their hearing aid home, it feels like too much hassle to wear them, so they don’t. Most people just turn up the volume to solve the dilemma and don’t consider hearing loss as much of a problem.
While it may seem as if hearing loss is inescapable as you age, there’s more to it than that, and cranking up the volume is not the correct answer.
The Value of Healthy Hearing
Hearing is obviously a large element of communication. If your inability to communicate causes you to miss an essential instruction by your physician or guidance by a family member, that’s a problem. As a result, you might not be able to convey your concerns and symptoms.
Other problems related to a lack of reliable communication are less obvious. When you strain to hear and follow a conversation on the phone, you might lose touch with some of the people in your support system out of embarrassment and frustration. Not being able to hear may even result in less brain stimulation, and we all know that exercising your mind can help fend off dementia.
Hearing Aid Benefits
Buying a hearing aid isn’t all about extreme, long-term worries. Your long term wellbeing will certainly improve but hearing aids will instantly improve your quality of life. If you can hear and participate in conversations, it minimizes your chances of feeling isolated and lets you participate more fully in your social life. You will reduce your anxiety even further when you are capable of precisely communicating your health concerns with your doctor and understanding his advice for treatment.
Do I need hearing aids? If you are dealing with any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:
- Keeping away from social situations for fear you can’t follow conversations
- Asking others to repeat themselves frequently
- Background noise makes it difficult to hear when someone is talking to you
- Turning the volume of the TV way up
These and possibly other symptoms could be an indication that it’s time to consider getting a hearing aid. If any of them sound familiar, ask us if a hearing aid may be right for you.