There’s a very basic message for anyone suffering from hearing loss: Use hearing aids.
Why? A recent study revealed that people were not as likely to develop health issues like depression, anxiety, dementia, and dangerous falls if they started wearing hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing loss. While these health problems aren’t proven to be prevented by hearing aids, fewer health issues have been linked to their use. The study shows that seniors who use hearing aids had a 13% less likely chance of having a hazardous 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
If these figures seem low to you, it’s significant to remember that your health is at stake, and every little bit counts. Previous studies have demonstrated a connection between hearing loss and other significant health problems, but this study proved it’s an ongoing, declining problem. But many individuals who have hearing impairment don’t address it or ever use hearing aids. Why not? For many, the absence of insurance coverage is an issue. Even among people with insurance, the cost may be too high.
Others go through the motions, getting fitted for hearing aids and bringing them home only to let them sit in the case because using them seems like too much of a hassle. Most people simply turn up the volume to solve the dilemma and don’t consider hearing loss as much of a problem.
Louder volume on the TV won’t solve the problem, though, and while hearing loss may seem to be an inevitable part of growing older, there is far more to it.
The Value of Healthy Hearing
Clearly, a primary element of communication is the ability to hear. Without the ability to communicate properly, you might not understand questions asked by your physicians or family members. Consequently, communicating your symptoms and concerns will be challenging.
There are also some less obvious problems associated with inadequate communication. When you strain to hear and keep up with a conversation on the phone, you might lose touch with some of the people in your support system out of embarrassment and frustration. Not being able to hear might even lead to less brain stimulation, and we all know that exercising your mind can help combat dementia.
Hearing Aid Benefits
Extreme long-term challenges are not all that wearing hearing aids is about. Using a hearing aid will instantly improve your quality of life, in addition to your long-term wellbeing. If you can hear and engage in conversations, it minimizes your chances of feeling isolated and allows you to partake more fully in your social life. You will minimize your anxiety even further when you are able to precisely communicate your health issues with your physician and comprehending his advice for treatment.
Is it time to look into a hearing aid? The answer is yes if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Background noise makes it difficult to hear when somebody is speaking to you
- Watching TV at extreme volume
- Constantly wanting people to repeat themselves
- Keeping away from social situations because you’re afraid you can’t follow conversations
These are only a few of the symptoms that could signify you need to consider a hearing aid. If any of them sound familiar, ask us if a hearing aid may be right for you.