There’s a very simple message for anybody suffering from hearing loss: Use hearing aids.
Why? A recent study revealed that individuals who got hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing impairment were less likely to experience dementia, depression, anxiety, and hazardous falls than people who didn’t get hearing aids. While this doesn’t prove hearing aids stop these health issues, their use is linked to fewer health problems. The study reveals 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 anxiety and depression.
Refrain From Making Excuses
It’s important to consider that regarding your health, these numbers might seem low but they’re still significant. Previous studies have demonstrated a correlation between hearing loss and other significant health issues, but this study verified it’s an ongoing, worsening issue. It’s significant to remember that many people diagnosed with hearing loss don’t bother buying hearing aids. Why not? Not having the proper insurance to cover some of the expenses is a common issue. Even among people who have insurance, the cost might seem too high.
Some people actually go in and get fitted but when they get their hearing aid home, it seems like too much hassle to wear them, so they don’t. Most people simply turn up the volume to solve the dilemma and don’t consider hearing loss as much of an issue.
Louder volume on the TV won’t solve the problem, however, and while hearing loss may seem to be an inescapable part of growing older, there is much more to it.
Healthy Hearing is Vital
Clearly, a principal aspect of communication is the ability to hear. If your failure to communicate causes you to miss an important instruction by your physician or direction by a family member, that’s an issue. As a result, you might not be capable of conveying your symptoms and concerns.
Other concerns related to a lack of effective communication are less apparent. If attempting to have phone conversations leaves you feeling embarrassed and frustrated, you may begin to lose touch with people in your support system. Not being able to hear might even lead to less brain stimulation, and we all know that exercising your mind can help fight against dementia.
The Benefits of Hearing Aids
Serious long-term concerns are not all that wearing hearing aids is about. Using a hearing aid will immediately enhance your quality of life, in addition to your long-term wellbeing. You will have a more gratifying social life and feel less isolated if you can hear and engage in conversations. When you can communicate clearly with your physician, you can effectively share the health concerns you are experiencing and comprehend your doctor’s treatment plan to reduce your anxiety even more.
Is it time to look into a hearing aid? If you are dealing with any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:
- Keeping away from social interaction for fear you can’t follow conversations
- Asking others to repeat themselves frequently
- Turning the volume of the TV up very high
- Trouble hearing the person you are talking to if there is background sound
These and potentially other symptoms could be a signal that it’s time to think about getting a hearing aid. Come see us to determine if a hearing aid is the correct option for you, especially if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.