For anybody dealing with hearing loss, the message is straightforward: Get a hearing aid.
Why? A recent study found that people were less likely to develop health issues such as anxiety, dementia, depression, and dangerous falls if they started using hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing loss. While this doesn’t prove hearing aids stop these health problems, their use is associated with fewer health issues. The study shows 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 anxiety and depression.
Refrain From Making Excuses
If these figures seem low to you, it’s important to recall that your health is at stake, and every little bit counts. Prior research has demonstrated a link between hearing loss and other serious health problems, but this study proved it’s an ongoing, declining problem. It’s essential to note that many people diagnosed with hearing loss don’t bother buying hearing aids. Why not? Not having the appropriate insurance to cover some of the expenses is a common issue. And the cost might still seem too high even for those who have insurance.
Some people actually go in and get fitted but when they get their hearing aid home, it feels like too much trouble to use them, so they don’t. Many people don’t view hearing impairment as a major issue because they can turn the volume of the TV up to solve the problem.
Louder volume on the TV won’t solve the problem, though, and while hearing loss might seem to be an unavoidable part of getting older, there is a lot more to it.
Healthy Hearing is Vital
Clearly, a principal aspect of communication is the ability to hear. If your inability to communicate causes you to miss an important instruction by your doctor or guidance by a family member, that’s a problem. Consequently, communicating your symptoms and concerns will be difficult.
There are also some less obvious problems connected with inadequate communication. If trying to have a conversation on the phone leaves you feeling frustrated and embarrassed, you may begin to lose touch with people in your support system. And clearly, your chance of developing dementia is higher if your brain doesn’t get enough stimulus which happens when you are unable to hear.
The Advantages of Hearing Aids
Buying a hearing aid isn’t all about serious, long-term worries. Your long term wellbeing will definitely improve but hearing aids will instantly improve your quality of life. You will have a more gratifying social life and feel less isolated if you can hear and take part in conversations. When you can communicate intelligibly with your physician, you can effectively share the health issues you are experiencing and understand your doctor’s treatment plan to reduce your anxiety even more.
Is it time to consider a hearing aid? The answer is yes if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Turning the volume of the TV up very high
- Keeping away from social interaction because you’re afraid you can’t follow conversations
- Frequently wanting people to repeat themselves
- Difficulty hearing the person you’re speaking to if there is background sound
These are only some of the symptoms that could signify you need to look into a hearing aid. Come see us to determine if a hearing aid is the right option for you, especially if any of these symptoms sound familiar.