There’s a very simple message for anybody struggling with hearing loss: Use hearing aids.
Why? A recent study revealed that people who received hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing impairment were less likely to develop depression, anxiety, dementia, and hazardous falls than those who did not receive hearing aids. While these health concerns aren’t proven to be eliminated by hearing aids, fewer health issues have been connected to their use. The study reveals that seniors who wore 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.
Avoid Making Excuses
If these numbers seem low to you, it’s important to remember that your health is at stake, and every little bit counts. Previous studies have demonstrated a correlation between hearing loss and other serious health problems, but this study proved it’s an ongoing, worsening issue. But many individuals who have hearing impairment don’t have it treated or ever use hearing aids. Why not? For many, the absence of insurance coverage is a problem. Even among people with insurance, the expense might seem 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 wearing them seems like too much of a hassle. Many individuals don’t view hearing loss as an important concern because they can turn up the TV volume to solve the problem.
Louder volume on the TV won’t solve the issue, though, and while hearing loss might seem to be an inescapable part of getting older, there is much more to it.
Healthy Hearing is Important
Clearly, a principal element of communication is the ability to hear. Without the ability to communicate precisely, you may not comprehend questions asked by your doctors or family members. Consequently, communicating your concerns and symptoms will be challenging.
Other problems related to a lack of reliable communication are less obvious. If attempting to have a conversation on the phone leaves you feeling frustrated and embarrassed, you may start to lose touch with individuals in your support system. Not being able to hear may even lead to less brain stimulus, and we all know that exercising your mind can help combat dementia.
Hearing Aid Advantages
Getting a hearing aid isn’t all about severe, long-term worries. Using a hearing aid will instantly improve your quality of life, in addition to your long-term wellbeing. If you can hear and participate in conversations, it lowers your chances of feeling isolated and lets you participate more completely in your social life. You will decrease your anxiety even further when you are capable of accurately communicating your health concerns with your doctor and comprehending his advice for treatment.
Is it time to look into a hearing aid? If you are dealing with any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:
- Difficulty hearing the person you’re talking to if there is background sound
- Being so afraid you won’t be able to follow conversations, you stay away from social interaction
- Watching TV at extreme volume
- Constantly needing people to repeat what they said
These are only a few of the symptoms that could indicate you should look into a hearing aid. If any of them sound familiar, ask us if a hearing aid might be right for you.