There’s a very simple message for anyone struggling with hearing loss: Use hearing aids.
Why? A recent study revealed that people were less likely to develop health problems such as depression, anxiety, dementia, and dangerous falls if they started using hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing loss. While this doesn’t prove hearing aids stop these health issues, their use is linked to fewer health issues. 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 serious fall.
Refrain From Making Excuses
If these numbers seem low to you, it’s significant to remember that your health is at risk, and every little bit counts. Previous studies have revealed a connection between hearing loss and other serious health issues, but this study proved it’s an ongoing, declining issue. It’s significant to remember that many people diagnosed with hearing loss don’t bother getting hearing aids. Why not? For many, the absence of insurance coverage is a problem. 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 bring 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 concern because they can turn the volume of the TV up to solve the problem.
Louder volume on the TV won’t solve the problem, however, and while hearing loss might seem to be an inescapable part of getting older, there is a lot more to it.
Healthy Hearing is Vital
Obviously, a major element of communication is the ability to hear. If your inability 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 a challenge.
There are also some less apparent problems associated with poor communication. When you strain to hear and follow a conversation on the phone, you may lose touch with some of the people in your support system out of embarrassment and frustration. Not being able to hear might even result in less brain stimulus, and we all know that exercising your mind can help fend off dementia.
The Advantages of Hearing Aids
Buying a hearing aid isn’t all about serious, long-term worries. Your long term outlook will certainly improve but hearing aids will instantly enhance your quality of life. You will have a more satisfying social life and feel less isolated if you can hear and participate in conversations. When you can communicate intelligibly with your physician, you can effectively share the health issues you are experiencing and comprehend your doctor’s treatment plan to decrease your anxiety even more.
Is it time to look into a hearing aid? If you are dealing with any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:
- Background sound makes it tough to hear when someone is talking to you
- Frequently needing people to repeat what they said
- Avoiding social interaction because you’re afraid you can’t follow conversations
- Turning the volume of the TV way up
These and perhaps other symptoms might be a signal that it’s time to consider getting a hearing aid. Come see us to determine if a hearing aid is the correct option for you, particularly if any of these symptoms sound familiar.
