There’s a very simple message for anybody suffering from hearing loss: Use hearing aids.
Why? A recent study found that people were less likely to develop health problems such as depression, anxiety, dementia, and dangerous falls if they began wearing hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing impairment. While this doesn’t prove hearing aids stop these health issues, their use is connected with fewer health problems. 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 anxiety and depression.
Stop The Excuses
It’s worthwhile to consider that when it comes to your health, these numbers may appear low but they’re still significant. Prior research has shown a link between hearing loss and other significant health issues, but this study proved it’s an ongoing, worsening issue. It’s significant to remember that many individuals diagnosed with hearing loss don’t bother buying hearing aids. Why not? Not having the correct insurance to cover some of the expenses is a common problem. Even among those with insurance, the cost may seem too high.
Some people actually go in and get fitted but when they bring their hearing aid home, it feels like too much trouble to use them, so they don’t. Most people simply turn up the volume to solve the problem and don’t consider hearing loss as much of an issue.
While it may seem as if hearing loss is inescapable as you get older, there’s more to it than that, and cranking the volume up is not the right answer.
Healthy Hearing is Vital
Clearly, a major aspect of communication is the ability to hear. Without the ability to communicate properly, you may not understand questions posed by your physicians or family. Consequently, communicating your concerns and symptoms will be difficult.
There are also some less apparent issues associated with inadequate communication. If attempting to have phone conversations leaves you feeling frustrated and embarrassed, you might begin to lose touch with people in your support system. And obviously, your likelihood of developing dementia is higher if your brain doesn’t receive enough stimulus which occurs when you are unable to hear.
The Benefits of Hearing Aids
Severe long-term challenges are not all that wearing hearing aids is about. Your long term wellbeing will definitely improve but hearing aids will immediately improve your quality of life. If you can hear and engage in conversations, it reduces your chances of feeling isolated and allows you to partake more fully 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 reduce your anxiety even more.
Should I get hearing aids? The answer is yes if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Trouble hearing the person you’re talking to if there is background noise
- Frequently needing people to repeat themselves
- Avoiding social situations because you’re afraid you can’t follow conversations
- Turning the volume of the TV way up
These and possibly other symptoms might be an indication that it’s time to think about getting a hearing aid. Come see us to determine if a hearing aid is the right option for you, especially if any of these symptoms sound familiar.