For anybody experiencing hearing impairment, the message is straightforward: Get a hearing aid.
Why? A recent study revealed that people were less likely to develop health issues like anxiety, dementia, depression, and dangerous falls if they began using hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing impairment. While these health problems aren’t proven to be eliminated by hearing aids, fewer health problems have been linked to their use. The study shows that seniors who use hearing aids had a 13% less likely chance of having a hazardous fall. They also had an 18% less likely chance of developing dementia and an 11% less likelihood of developing depression and anxiety.
Avoid Making Excuses
It’s important to consider that regarding your health, these numbers may seem low but they’re still considerable. Previous studies have revealed a correlation between hearing loss and other serious health problems, 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? For many, the lack of insurance coverage is an issue. And the expense might still be too high even for those who have insurance.
Others go through the motions, getting fitted for hearing aids and taking them home only to let them sit in the case because using them feels like too much of an inconvenience. Most people just turn up the volume to solve the problem and don’t think about hearing loss as much of a problem.
While it might seem like hearing loss is unavoidable as you get older, there’s more to it than that, and cranking the volume up is not the right solution.
Healthy Hearing is Vital
Clearly, a major element of communication is the ability to hear. If your failure to communicate causes you to miss an important instruction by your physician or guidance by a family member, that’s an issue. Consequently, communicating your concerns and symptoms will be challenging.
Other issues linked to a lack of reliable communication are less apparent. If trying to have a conversation on the phone leaves you feeling embarrassed and frustrated, you might begin to lose touch with individuals in your support system. And clearly, your likelihood of developing dementia is higher if your brain doesn’t receive enough stimulation which occurs when you are unable to hear.
The Benefits of Hearing Aids
Buying a hearing aid isn’t only about serious, long-term concerns. Wearing a hearing aid will immediately enhance your quality of life, in addition to your long-term wellbeing. You will have a more fulfilling social life and feel less isolated if you can hear and engage in conversations. You will minimize your anxiety even further when you are capable of precisely communicating your health concerns with your physician and understanding his guidance for treatment.
Is it time to consider a hearing aid? The answer is yes if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Being so afraid you won’t be able to follow conversations, you avoid social situations
- Background sound makes it hard to hear when somebody is talking to you
- Asking people to repeat themselves frequently
- Turning the volume of the TV up very high
These and possibly other symptoms might be a signal that it’s time to think about getting a hearing aid. Come see us to find out if a hearing aid is the best choice for you, particularly if any of these symptoms sound familiar.