For anybody dealing with hearing impairment, the message is simple: Get a hearing aid.
Why? A recent study revealed 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 receive hearing aids. While this doesn’t prove hearing aids prevent these health issues, their use is linked to fewer health problems. 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 keep in mind that regarding your health, these figures might appear low but they’re still considerable. Previous research has revealed a connection between hearing loss and other serious health problems, but this study proved it’s an ongoing, declining problem. But many people who have hearing loss don’t have it treated or ever use hearing aids. Why not? Not having the correct insurance to cover some of the expenses is a common issue. And the expense may still be too high even with insurance.
Others go through the motions, getting fitted for hearing aids and bringing them home only to leave them in the case because using them seems like too much of an inconvenience. Many people don’t view hearing impairment as an important concern because they can turn the volume of the TV up to solve the problem.
While it may seem as if hearing loss is inescapable as you age, there’s more to it than that, and cranking the volume up is not the best answer.
Healthy Hearing is Vital
Hearing is obviously a large part of communication. Without the ability to communicate correctly, you might not comprehend questions posed by your doctors or family. As a result, you might not be able to convey your concerns and symptoms.
Other issues linked to a lack of reliable communication are less obvious. When you struggle to hear and keep up with a conversation on the phone, you may lose touch with some of the people in your support system out of frustration or embarrassment. Not being able to hear might even lead to less brain stimulus, and we all recognize that exercising your mind can help fend off dementia.
The Advantages of Hearing Aids
Severe long-term challenges are not all that wearing hearing aids is about. Your long term outlook will certainly improve but hearing aids will instantly enhance your quality of life. You will have a more satisfying social life and feel less isolated if you can hear and engage in conversations. You will decrease your anxiety even further when you are capable of precisely communicating your health issues with your doctor and understanding his guidance for treatment.
Do I need hearing aids? The answer is yes if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Asking people to repeat themselves constantly
- Watching TV at extreme volume
- Avoiding social interaction for fear you can’t follow conversations
- Background sound makes it tough to hear when somebody is speaking to you
These and possibly other symptoms may be a signal that it’s time to consider getting a hearing aid. If any of them sound familiar, ask us if a hearing aid might be right for you.