For anybody dealing with hearing loss, the message is simple: Get a hearing aid.
Why? A recent study found that individuals who received hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing loss were less likely to experience depression, anxiety, dementia, and dangerous falls than people who didn’t get hearing aids. While this doesn’t prove hearing aids prevent these health issues, their use is associated with fewer health problems. Results from the study showed 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
It’s important to keep in mind that when it comes to your health, these numbers might seem low but they’re still significant. Prior research has revealed a connection between hearing loss and other significant health issues, but this study verified it’s an ongoing, worsening issue. It’s important to note that many people diagnosed with hearing loss don’t bother buying hearing aids. Why not? Not having the proper insurance to cover some of the costs is a common issue. And the cost may still be too high even with insurance.
Some people actually go in and get fitted but when they bring their hearing aid home, it seems like too much hassle to wear them, so they don’t. Many people don’t view hearing impairment as a major concern because they can turn the volume of the TV up to solve the problem.
Higher volume on the TV won’t solve the issue, however, and while hearing loss may seem to be an unavoidable part of growing older, there is much more to it.
The Value of Healthy Hearing
Hearing is clearly a big element of communication. If your inability to communicate causes you to miss a critical instruction by your physician or guidance by a family member, that’s a problem. Consequently, communicating your concerns and symptoms will be challenging.
Other problems linked to a lack of reliable communication are less obvious. If attempting to have a conversation on the phone leaves you feeling embarrassed and frustrated, you may begin to lose touch with individuals in your support system. Not being able to hear may even result in less brain stimulation, and we all recognize that exercising your mind can help combat dementia.
Hearing Aid Advantages
Extreme long-term challenges are not all that getting hearing aids is about. Using a hearing aid will instantly enhance your quality of life, as well as your long-term outlook. If you can hear and participate in conversations, it lowers your chances of feeling isolated and allows you to partake more completely in your social life. When you can communicate clearly with your physician, you can effectively share the health problems you are experiencing and comprehend your doctor’s treatment plan to decrease your anxiety even more.
Is it time to consider a hearing aid? If you have any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:
- Background sound makes it tough to hear when someone is talking to you
- Constantly wanting people to repeat what they said
- Turning the volume of the TV way up
- Avoiding social situations for fear you can’t follow conversations
These and perhaps other symptoms could be a signal that it’s time to think about getting a hearing aid. If any of them sound familiar, ask us if a hearing aid may be right for you.