For anybody suffering from hearing loss, the message is straightforward: Get a hearing aid.
Why? A recent study revealed that people were not as likely to develop health problems such as depression, anxiety, dementia, and dangerous falls if they began using hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing impairment. While this doesn’t prove hearing aids prevent these health problems, their use is connected with fewer health issues. Results from the study demonstrated that hearing aid users were 18% less likely to develop dementia, 11% less likely to develop depression or anxiety, and 13% less likely to have a serious fall.
Refrain From Making Excuses
If these numbers seem low to you, it’s important to remember that your health is at risk, and every little bit counts. Prior studies have shown a correlation between hearing loss and other significant health problems, but this study proved it’s an ongoing, declining issue. It’s important 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 seem 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 people simply turn up the volume to solve the problem and don’t think about hearing loss as much of a problem.
While it might seem as if hearing loss is unavoidable as you age, there’s more to it than that, and cranking up the volume is not the best answer.
The Value of Healthy Hearing
Obviously, a major aspect of communication is the ability to hear. Without the ability to communicate effectively, you might not understand questions asked by your physicians or family. Consequently, communicating your symptoms and concerns will be challenging.
Other problems associated with a lack of effective communication are less obvious. When you strain to hear and keep up with a conversation on the phone, you may lose touch with some of the people in your support system due to frustration or embarrassment. Not being able to hear might even result in less brain stimulation, and we all know that exercising your mind can help combat dementia.
The Advantages of Hearing Aids
Serious long-term concerns are not all that wearing hearing aids is about. Wearing a hearing aid will instantly improve your quality of life, as well as your long-term wellbeing. If you can hear and engage in conversations, it reduces your chances of feeling isolated and lets you participate more fully in your social life. You will minimize your anxiety even further when you are able to precisely communicate your health concerns with your doctor and understanding his advice for treatment.
Is it time to look into a hearing aid? If you have any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:
- Asking others to repeat what they said frequently
- Background sound makes it difficult to hear when someone is speaking to you
- Watching TV at extreme volume
- Keeping away from social interaction because you’re afraid you can’t follow conversations
These are only some of the symptoms that might indicate you should consider a hearing aid. Schedule a consultation with us to determine if a hearing aid is the right choice for you, especially if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
