For anyone experiencing hearing loss, the message is simple: 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 stop these health problems, their use is linked to fewer health issues. The study reveals that seniors who use 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 important to consider that when it comes to your health, these numbers may appear low but they’re still considerable. Previous research has demonstrated a correlation between hearing loss and other significant health issues, but this study proved it’s an ongoing, worsening problem. It’s significant to remember that many individuals diagnosed with hearing loss don’t bother buying hearing aids. Why not? For many, the lack of insurance coverage is an issue. And the cost might still be too high even for those who have 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. Most individuals just turn up the volume to solve the problem and don’t consider hearing loss as much of an issue.
While it might seem as if hearing loss is inevitable as you get older, there’s more to it than that, and cranking the volume up is not the best answer.
Healthy Hearing is Vital
Clearly, a major aspect of communication is the ability to hear. Without the ability to communicate effectively, you might not understand questions asked by your doctors or family members. As a result, you may not be capable of conveying your concerns and symptoms.
Other problems linked to a lack of effective communication are less obvious. When you struggle to hear and follow a conversation on the phone, you might lose touch with some of the people in your support system due to embarrassment and frustration. And clearly, your chance of developing dementia is higher if your brain doesn’t get enough stimulation which happens when you are unable to hear.
Hearing Aid Benefits
Severe long-term concerns are not all that getting hearing aids is about. Your long term outlook will definitely improve but hearing aids will instantly enhance your quality of life. You will have a more satisfying social life and feel less isolated if you can hear and participate in conversations. You will minimize your anxiety even further when you are able to precisely communicate your health concerns with your doctor and understanding his guidance for treatment.
Is it time to consider a hearing aid? If you are dealing with any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:
- Being so intimidated that you won’t be able to follow conversations, you stay away from social situations
- Turning the volume of the TV way up
- Difficulty hearing the person you are speaking to if there’s background sound
- Constantly needing people to repeat themselves
These are only some of the symptoms that could reveal you need to consider a hearing aid. Schedule a consultation with us to find out if a hearing aid is the right option for you, especially if any of these symptoms sound familiar.