There’s a very basic message for anybody suffering from hearing loss: Use hearing aids.
Why? A recent study found that individuals who obtained hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing impairment were less likely to experience dementia, depression, anxiety, and dangerous falls than people who did not receive hearing aids. While these health problems aren’t proven to be eliminated by hearing aids, fewer health problems have been connected to their use. 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 anxiety and depression.
Avoid Making Excuses
It’s important to consider that regarding your health, these numbers might appear low but they’re still significant. Previous research has revealed a correlation between hearing loss and other significant health problems, but this study verified it’s an ongoing, worsening problem. But many people who have hearing loss don’t address it or ever use hearing aids. Why not? For many, the lack of insurance coverage is an issue. Even among people who have insurance, the cost could be too high.
Others go through the motions, getting fitted for hearing aids and bringing them home only to leave them in the case because wearing them seems like too much of a hassle. Many individuals don’t view hearing impairment as a major issue because they can turn up the TV volume to solve the problem.
Higher volume on the TV won’t solve the problem, however, and while hearing loss might seem to be an inevitable part of getting older, there is a lot more to it.
Healthy Hearing is Vital
Clearly, a primary element of communication is the ability to hear. If your inability to communicate causes you to miss an important instruction by your doctor or direction by a family member, that’s a problem. As a result, you may not be able to convey your concerns and symptoms.
Other concerns linked to a lack of effective communication are less apparent. If attempting to have phone conversations leaves you feeling frustrated and embarrassed, you may start to lose touch with people 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 combat dementia.
Hearing Aid Benefits
Buying a hearing aid isn’t only about severe, long-term worries. Your long term wellbeing will definitely improve but hearing aids will instantly improve your quality of life. If you can hear and take part in conversations, it minimizes your chances of feeling isolated and lets you participate more completely in your social life. When you can communicate intelligibly with your doctor, you can effectively share the health problems you are experiencing and understand your doctor’s treatment plan to decrease your anxiety further.
Should I get hearing aids? If you are dealing with any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:
- Asking people to repeat what they said constantly
- Turning the volume of the TV up very high
- Background sound makes it tough to hear when somebody is talking to you
- Avoiding social situations for fear you can’t follow conversations
These and potentially other symptoms could be an indication that it’s time to consider getting a hearing aid. Come see us to find out if a hearing aid is the right option for you, particularly if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.