For anybody dealing with hearing loss, the message is simple: Get a hearing aid.
Why? A recent study found that people were not as likely to develop health problems like depression, anxiety, dementia, and dangerous falls if they began using hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing impairment. While this doesn’t prove hearing aids prevent these health problems, their use is connected with fewer health problems. Results from the study revealed 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 figures might seem low but they’re still considerable. Prior research has revealed a link between hearing loss and other significant health problems, but this study verified it’s an ongoing, declining problem. It’s important to remember that many individuals diagnosed with hearing loss don’t bother buying hearing aids. Why not? For many, the lack of insurance coverage is an issue. And the cost may still be too high even for those who have insurance.
Some people actually go in and get fitted but when they get their hearing aid home, it feels like too much hassle to wear them, so they don’t. Many individuals don’t view hearing impairment as a major issue because they can turn the volume of the TV up to solve the problem.
Higher volume on the TV won’t solve the problem, however, and while hearing loss may seem to be an unavoidable part of growing older, there is much more to it.
The Value of Healthy Hearing
Clearly, a principal element of communication is the ability to hear. Without the ability to communicate correctly, you might not comprehend questions asked by your doctors or family. As a result, you may not be capable of conveying your concerns and symptoms.
There are also some less apparent issues associated with inadequate communication. When you strain to hear and follow a conversation on the phone, you might lose touch with some of the people in your support system out of frustration or embarrassment. Not being able to hear might even result in less brain stimulation, and we all recognize that exercising your mind can help combat dementia.
Hearing Aid Benefits
Getting a hearing aid isn’t only about severe, long-term worries. Wearing a hearing aid will instantly 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. When you can communicate intelligibly with your physician, you can accurately share the health problems you are experiencing and comprehend your doctor’s treatment plan to reduce your anxiety even more.
Is it time to consider a hearing aid? The answer is yes if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Turning the volume of the TV way up
- Avoiding social interaction for fear you can’t follow conversations
- Asking others to repeat what they said constantly
- Background sound makes it tough to hear when somebody is speaking to you
These and potentially other symptoms may be a signal that it’s time to think about getting a hearing aid. If any of them sound familiar, ask us if a hearing aid may be the right option for you.