There’s a very basic message for anyone suffering from hearing loss: Use hearing aids.
Why? A recent study found that people were less likely to develop health problems such as anxiety, dementia, depression, and dangerous falls if they started wearing hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing impairment. While this doesn’t prove hearing aids stop these health problems, their use is associated with fewer health problems. The study reveals that seniors who wore 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
If these numbers seem low to you, it’s important to recall that your health is at risk, and every little bit counts. Previous studies have shown a link between hearing loss and other serious health problems, but this study proved it’s an ongoing, declining problem. It’s significant to note that many people diagnosed with hearing loss don’t bother getting hearing aids. Why not? Not having the appropriate insurance to cover some of the costs is a typical issue. Even among people with insurance, the expense could seem too high.
Some people actually go in and get fitted but when they get their hearing aid home, it seems like too much trouble to use them, so they don’t. Many people don’t view hearing loss as an important concern because they can turn the volume of the TV up to solve the problem.
Higher volume on the TV won’t solve the issue, however, and while hearing loss might seem to be an inescapable part of getting older, there is far more to it.
The Importance of Healthy Hearing
Obviously, a principal aspect of communication is the ability to hear. If your failure to communicate causes you to miss an essential instruction by your doctor or guidance by a family member, that’s an issue. Consequently, communicating your symptoms and concerns will be difficult.
There are also some less obvious issues connected with poor communication. If attempting to have phone conversations leaves you feeling frustrated and embarrassed, you may begin to lose touch with individuals in your support system. Not being able to hear may even result in less brain stimulation, and we all recognize that exercising your mind can help fight against dementia.
Hearing Aid Benefits
Buying a hearing aid isn’t all about serious, long-term worries. Wearing a hearing aid will instantly enhance your quality of life, as well as your long-term outlook. You will have a more satisfying 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 issues with your physician and understanding his guidance for treatment.
Do I need hearing aids? The answer is yes if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Background sound makes it hard to hear when someone is talking to you
- Watching TV at extreme volume
- Avoiding social situations for fear you can’t follow conversations
- Frequently needing people to repeat themselves
These and perhaps other symptoms might be an indication that it’s time to consider getting a hearing aid. Schedule a consultation with us to determine if a hearing aid is the right choice for you, particularly if any of these symptoms sound familiar.