There’s a very basic message for anyone suffering from hearing loss: Use hearing aids.
Why? A recent study found that people were less likely to develop health issues like anxiety, dementia, depression, and dangerous falls if they started wearing hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing impairment. While this doesn’t prove hearing aids prevent these health issues, their use is connected with fewer health issues. Results from the study demonstrated that hearing aid users were 18% less likely to develop dementia, 11% less likely to develop depression or anxiety, and 13% less likely to suffer a dangerous fall.
Refrain From Making Excuses
If these numbers seem low to you, it’s significant to recall that your health is at stake, and every little bit counts. Prior studies have shown a correlation between hearing loss and other serious health problems, but this study verified it’s an ongoing, worsening problem. It’s essential 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. Even among those 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 leave them in the case because using them seems like too much of a hassle. Many individuals don’t view hearing loss as a major issue because they can turn up the TV volume to solve the problem.
Higher volume on the TV won’t solve the issue, though, and while hearing loss may seem to be an unavoidable part of getting older, there is a lot more to it.
The Importance of Healthy Hearing
Clearly, a primary aspect of communication is the ability to hear. If your inability to communicate causes you to miss an essential instruction by your physician or guidance by a family member, that’s an issue. Consequently, communicating your concerns and symptoms will be a challenge.
Other issues linked to a lack of reliable communication are less apparent. When you strain to hear and follow a conversation on the phone, you may lose touch with some of the people in your support system due to embarrassment and frustration. And obviously, your chance of developing dementia is higher if your brain doesn’t get enough stimulation which occurs when you can’t hear.
Hearing Aid Benefits
Buying a hearing aid isn’t only about severe, long-term concerns. Wearing a hearing aid will immediately enhance your quality of life, as well as your long-term outlook. If you can hear and participate in conversations, it minimizes your chances of feeling isolated and allows you to participate more fully in your social life. You will decrease your anxiety even further when you are able to precisely communicate your health concerns with your physician and understanding his guidance for treatment.
Should I get hearing aids? If you have any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:
- Difficulty hearing the person you’re speaking to if there is background sound
- Frequently needing people to repeat themselves
- Watching TV at very high volume
- Being so intimidated that you won’t be able to follow conversations, you avoid social situations
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 may be right for you.