There’s a very simple message for anybody struggling with hearing loss: Use hearing aids.
Why? A recent study found that people were not as likely to develop health problems like depression, anxiety, dementia, and dangerous falls if they began using hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing impairment. While these health problems aren’t proven to be eliminated by hearing aids, fewer health issues 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 anxiety and depression.
Avoid Making Excuses
If these numbers seem low to you, it’s important to recall that your health is at risk, and every little bit counts. Prior studies have revealed a connection between hearing loss and other serious health issues, but this study verified it’s an ongoing, worsening issue. It’s significant to note that many individuals diagnosed with hearing loss don’t bother getting hearing aids. Why not? Not having the correct insurance to cover some of the expenses is a typical problem. Even among those who have insurance, the expense might seem too high.
Others go through the motions, getting fitted for hearing aids and bringing them home only to leave them in the case because using them seems like too much of an inconvenience. Most individuals simply turn up the volume to solve the dilemma and don’t think about hearing loss as much of an issue.
While it may seem like hearing loss is inevitable as you get older, there’s more to it than that, and cranking up the volume is not the right solution.
Healthy Hearing is Important
Clearly, a principal element of communication is the ability to hear. Without the ability to communicate precisely, you might not understand questions posed by your physicians or family members. As a result, you might not be capable of conveying your symptoms and concerns.
There are also some less obvious problems associated with inadequate communication. If trying to have phone conversations leaves you feeling frustrated and embarrassed, you may start to lose touch with individuals in your support system. And obviously, your likelihood of developing dementia is higher if your brain doesn’t get enough stimulus which occurs when you can’t hear.
Hearing Aid Benefits
Getting a hearing aid isn’t only about extreme, long-term concerns. Using a hearing aid will instantly improve your quality of life, as well as your long-term outlook. If you can hear and take part in conversations, it minimizes your chances of feeling isolated and allows you to participate more completely in your social life. You will reduce your anxiety even further when you are capable of accurately communicating your health issues with your physician and understanding his advice for treatment.
Should I get hearing aids? The answer is yes if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Trouble hearing the person you’re speaking to if there’s background noise
- Frequently wanting people to repeat what they said
- Keeping away from social interaction because you’re afraid you can’t follow conversations
- Watching TV at very high volume
These and potentially other symptoms could be a signal that it’s time to consider getting a hearing aid. Schedule a consultation with us to determine if a hearing aid is the correct option for you, especially if any of these symptoms sound familiar.