For anybody suffering from hearing loss, the message is straightforward: Get a hearing aid.
Why? A recent study found that individuals who received hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing impairment were less likely to develop depression, anxiety, dementia, and dangerous falls than people who didn’t get hearing aids. While these health problems aren’t proven to be eliminated by hearing aids, fewer health issues have been connected to their use. Results from the study demonstrated that hearing aid users were 18% less likely to develop dementia, 11% less likely to develop depression or anxiety, and 13% less likely to suffer a dangerous fall.
Stop The Excuses
It’s important to keep in mind that when it comes to your health, these numbers might seem low but they’re still significant. Previous studies have revealed a connection between hearing loss and other serious health problems, but this study proved it’s an ongoing, declining issue. It’s essential to remember that many people diagnosed with hearing loss don’t bother getting hearing aids. Why not? For many, the lack of insurance coverage is an issue. Even among those with insurance, the cost might seem too high.
Others go through the motions, getting fitted for hearing aids and bringing them home only to let them sit in the case because wearing them feels like too much of a hassle. Most people simply turn up the volume to solve the problem and don’t consider hearing loss as much of an issue.
While it might seem as if hearing loss is inescapable as you get older, there’s more to it than that, and cranking the volume up is not the correct answer.
The Importance of Healthy Hearing
Obviously, a primary element of communication is the ability to hear. If your inability to communicate causes you to miss a critical 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 symptoms and concerns.
Other concerns related to a lack of reliable communication are less obvious. 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 stimulation which occurs when you are unable to hear.
Hearing Aid Advantages
Serious long-term concerns are not all that wearing hearing aids is about. Your long term wellbeing will definitely improve but hearing aids will instantly enhance your quality of life. If you can hear and engage in conversations, it decreases your chances of feeling isolated and allows you to participate more completely in your social life. You will decrease your anxiety even further when you are able to precisely communicate your health concerns with your physician and understanding his guidance for treatment.
Is it time to look into a hearing aid? If you have any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:
- Asking others to repeat what they said constantly
- Background noise makes it difficult to hear when someone is talking to you
- Avoiding social interaction because you’re afraid you can’t follow conversations
- Turning the volume of the TV way up
These are only a few of the symptoms that might signify you should consider a hearing aid. If any of them sound familiar, ask us if a hearing aid may be the right option for you.