For anybody dealing with hearing impairment, the message is straightforward: Get a hearing aid.
Why? A recent study revealed that people were not as likely to develop health problems like depression, anxiety, dementia, and dangerous falls if they began wearing hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing loss. While this doesn’t prove hearing aids prevent these health issues, their use is associated with fewer health issues. 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 anxiety and depression.
Avoid Making Excuses
It’s worthwhile to consider that regarding your health, these numbers may seem low but they’re still significant. Previous research has shown a connection between hearing loss and other significant health issues, but this study proved 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? For many, the lack of insurance coverage is a problem. Even among people who have insurance, the expense could 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 using them feels like too much of a hassle. Most people simply turn up the volume to solve the problem and don’t consider hearing loss as much of an issue.
Louder volume on the TV won’t solve the issue, though, and while hearing loss may seem to be an inevitable part of growing older, there is much more to it.
The Importance of Healthy Hearing
Hearing is obviously a big element of communication. Without the ability to communicate correctly, you might not comprehend questions asked by your physicians or family members. As a result, you might not be capable of conveying your concerns and symptoms.
There are also some less apparent issues connected with inadequate communication. 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. And clearly, your chance of developing dementia is higher if your brain doesn’t get enough stimulus which happens when you can’t hear.
Hearing Aid Benefits
Extreme long-term concerns aren’t all that getting hearing aids is about. Your long term wellbeing will certainly improve but hearing aids will immediately enhance your quality of life. 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. You will decrease your anxiety even further when you are able to precisely communicate your health concerns with your doctor and comprehending his advice for treatment.
Do I need hearing aids? The answer is yes if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Background sound makes it tough to hear when someone is talking to you
- Turning the volume of the TV way up
- Asking others to repeat what they said constantly
- Being so afraid you won’t be able to follow conversations, you avoid social interaction
These and potentially other symptoms could be an indication that it’s time to consider getting a hearing aid. If any of them sound familiar, ask us if a hearing aid might be right for you.