There’s a very simple message for anybody struggling with hearing loss: Use hearing aids.
Why? A recent study found that individuals who obtained hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing loss were less likely to experience dementia, depression, anxiety, and dangerous falls than those who didn’t receive hearing aids. While this doesn’t prove hearing aids prevent these health issues, their use is connected with fewer health issues. The study shows 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 depression and anxiety.
Stop The Excuses
It’s worthwhile to keep in mind that, regarding your health, these numbers might seem low but they’re still considerable. Prior research has demonstrated a connection between hearing loss and other significant health problems, but this study proved it’s an ongoing, declining problem. However, many people who have hearing impairment don’t have it treated or ever use hearing aids. Why not? Not having the proper insurance to cover some of the costs is a typical issue. And the cost might still be too high even with insurance.
Some people actually go in and get fitted but when they get their hearing aid home, it seems like too much trouble to use them, so they don’t. Many individuals don’t view hearing impairment as an important issue because they can turn up the TV volume to solve the problem.
While it may seem as if hearing loss is inescapable as you age, there’s more to it than that, and cranking up the volume is not the best answer.
Healthy Hearing is Vital
Obviously, a major element of communication is the ability to hear. Without the ability to communicate properly, you might not comprehend questions asked by your physicians or family. Consequently, communicating your symptoms and concerns will be difficult.
There are also some less obvious problems related to inadequate communication. 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 clearly, your chance of developing dementia is higher if your brain doesn’t get enough stimulus, which happens when you are unable to hear.
The Advantages of Hearing Aids
Serious long-term challenges aren’t the only thing that getting hearing aids is about. Wearing a hearing aid will immediately improve your quality of life, in addition to your long-term wellbeing. If you can hear and take part in conversations, it lowers your chances of feeling isolated and allows you to partake more completely in your social life. When you can communicate intelligibly with your doctor, you can effectively share the health issues you are experiencing and comprehend your doctor’s treatment plan to reduce your anxiety further.
Should I get hearing aids? If you have any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:
- Keeping away from social situations for fear you can’t follow conversations
- Turning the volume of the TV way up
- Asking people to repeat themselves frequently
- Background noise makes it tough to hear when someone is speaking to you
These are only some of the symptoms that could signify you need to look into a hearing aid. Come see us to find out if a hearing aid is the best choice for you, particularly if any of these symptoms sound familiar.