For anybody dealing with hearing loss, the message is straightforward: Get a hearing aid.
Why? A recent study found that individuals 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 people who didn’t get hearing aids. While these health concerns aren’t proven to be eliminated by hearing aids, fewer health problems have been connected to their use. The study shows that seniors who use 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 important to consider that regarding your health, these figures might appear low but they’re still considerable. Previous research has demonstrated a link between hearing loss and other significant health issues, but this study verified it’s an ongoing, declining issue. But many individuals who have hearing impairment don’t have it treated or ever use hearing aids. Why not? Not having the correct insurance to cover some of the costs is a common issue. And the cost may still be too high even with insurance.
Others go through the motions, getting fitted for hearing aids and taking them home only to let them sit in the case because wearing them feels like too much of a hassle. Most individuals just turn up the volume to solve the problem and don’t consider hearing loss as much of a problem.
While it may seem like hearing loss is inevitable as you age, there’s more to it than that, and turning up the volume is not the right answer.
The Value of Healthy Hearing
Obviously, a principal aspect of communication is the ability to hear. Without the ability to communicate precisely, you may not understand 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 obvious issues connected with poor communication. When you struggle to hear and follow a conversation on the phone, you may lose touch with some of the people in your support system due to embarrassment and frustration. Not being able to hear may even lead to less brain stimulation, and we all know that exercising your mind can help fight against dementia.
Hearing Aid Benefits
Buying a hearing aid isn’t only about severe, long-term concerns. Your long term outlook will definitely improve but hearing aids will instantly improve your quality of life. If you can hear and participate in conversations, it reduces your chances of feeling isolated and lets you partake more completely in your social life. When you can communicate clearly with your doctor, you can effectively share the health problems you are experiencing and understand your doctor’s treatment plan to reduce your anxiety even more.
Should I get hearing aids? The answer is yes if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Avoiding social interaction for fear you can’t follow conversations
- Difficulty hearing the person you are talking to if there’s background sound
- Turning the volume of the TV up very high
- Asking others to repeat what they said frequently
These and possibly other symptoms might 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 right for you.