There’s a very simple message for anyone suffering from hearing loss: Use hearing aids.
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 started wearing hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing loss. While this doesn’t prove hearing aids stop these health issues, their use is associated with fewer health issues. The study reveals 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.
Refrain From Making Excuses
It’s worthwhile to consider that regarding your health, these numbers might appear low but they’re still significant. Previous studies have demonstrated a correlation between hearing loss and other significant health problems, but this study verified it’s an ongoing, declining issue. But many people who have hearing loss don’t address it or ever use hearing aids. Why not? For many, the lack of insurance coverage is an issue. And the expense might still seem too high even with insurance.
Some individuals actually go in and get fitted but when they bring their hearing aid home, it feels like too much trouble to use them, so they don’t. Most individuals simply turn up the volume to solve the dilemma and don’t think about hearing loss as much of a problem.
While it may seem as if hearing loss is unavoidable as you age, there’s more to it than that, and cranking the volume up is not the correct answer.
Healthy Hearing is Important
Obviously, a major aspect of communication is the ability to hear. If your failure to communicate causes you to miss a critical instruction by your doctor or direction by a family member, that’s a problem. As a result, you might not be able to convey your concerns and symptoms.
There are also some less apparent issues related to poor communication. If trying to have a conversation on the phone leaves you feeling embarrassed and frustrated, you might begin to lose touch with people in your support system. And clearly, your chance of developing dementia is higher if your brain doesn’t get enough stimulus which occurs when you can’t hear.
Hearing Aid Benefits
Extreme long-term challenges aren’t all that getting hearing aids is about. Using a hearing aid will instantly enhance your quality of life, as well as your long-term wellbeing. You will have a more satisfying social life and feel less isolated if you can hear and engage in conversations. You will reduce your anxiety even further when you are able to precisely communicate your health issues with your physician and comprehending his guidance for treatment.
Should I get hearing aids? If you have any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:
- Background noise makes it tough to hear when somebody is speaking to you
- Asking people to repeat what they said frequently
- Avoiding social interaction for fear you can’t follow conversations
- Turning the volume of the TV up very high
These are only some of the symptoms that may reveal you need to consider a hearing aid. If any of them sound familiar, ask us if a hearing aid might be right for you.
