For anyone suffering from hearing loss, the message is straightforward: Get a hearing aid.
Why? A recent study revealed that people who received hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing impairment were less likely to develop depression, anxiety, dementia, and hazardous falls than those who did not receive hearing aids. While this doesn’t prove hearing aids prevent these health problems, their use is connected with fewer health issues. The study reveals that seniors who wore hearing aids had a 13% less likely chance of having a serious fall. They also had an 18% less likely chance of developing dementia and an 11% less likelihood of developing depression and anxiety.
Stop The Excuses
It’s worthwhile to consider that when it comes to your health, these figures may seem low but they’re still considerable. Prior research has demonstrated a correlation between hearing loss and other significant health problems, but this study proved it’s an ongoing, worsening issue. But many people who have hearing loss don’t address it or ever use hearing aids. Why not? Not having the correct insurance to cover some of the expenses is a typical issue. Even among those who have insurance, the expense could seem too high.
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 simply turn up the volume to solve the problem and don’t consider hearing loss as much of an issue.
Higher volume on the TV won’t solve the issue, though, and while hearing loss may seem to be an inescapable part of growing older, there is far more to it.
The Value of Healthy Hearing
Obviously, a major aspect of communication is the ability to hear. If your inability to communicate causes you to miss an essential instruction by your doctor or direction by a family member, that’s a problem. Consequently, communicating your concerns and symptoms will be difficult.
There are also some less apparent problems related to poor communication. If trying to have phone conversations leaves you feeling embarrassed and frustrated, you may start to lose touch with people in your support system. And clearly, your chance of developing dementia is higher if your brain doesn’t get enough stimulation which happens when you are unable to hear.
Hearing Aid Advantages
Buying a hearing aid isn’t all about extreme, long-term concerns. Using a hearing aid will immediately enhance your quality of life, in addition to your long-term wellbeing. If you can hear and participate in conversations, it minimizes your chances of feeling isolated and lets you partake more completely in your social life. You will decrease your anxiety even further when you are capable of accurately communicating your health concerns with your doctor and understanding his advice for treatment.
Is it time to consider a hearing aid? If you are dealing with any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:
- Difficulty hearing the person you are speaking to if there is background noise
- Asking people to repeat themselves frequently
- Keeping away from social interaction for fear you can’t follow conversations
- Watching TV at extreme volume
These are only some of the symptoms that may indicate you should consider a hearing aid. If any of them sound familiar, ask us if a hearing aid might be the right option for you.