There’s a very simple message for anybody suffering from hearing loss: Use hearing aids.
Why? A recent study found that people were not as likely to develop health issues such as depression, anxiety, dementia, and dangerous falls if they began using hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing loss. While these health problems aren’t proven to be prevented by hearing aids, fewer health problems have been linked to their use. Results from the study showed 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 serious fall.
Stop The Excuses
If these figures seem low to you, it’s significant to remember that your health is at stake, and every little bit counts. Previous studies have revealed a link between hearing loss and other serious health problems, but this study proved it’s an ongoing, worsening issue. But many individuals who have hearing impairment don’t have it treated or ever use hearing aids. Why not? For many, the absence of insurance coverage is an issue. Even among those with insurance, the cost may seem too high.
Others go through the motions, getting fitted for hearing aids and taking them home only to leave them in the case because wearing them seems like too much of a hassle. Most people just turn up the volume to solve the problem and don’t consider hearing loss as much of a problem.
Higher volume on the TV won’t solve the issue, however, and while hearing loss may seem to be an unavoidable part of growing older, there is a lot more to it.
Healthy Hearing is Important
Obviously, a major element of communication is the ability to hear. Without the ability to communicate correctly, you may not comprehend questions posed by your doctors or family members. Consequently, communicating your concerns and symptoms will be difficult.
Other concerns linked to a lack of effective communication are less apparent. If attempting to have a conversation on the phone leaves you feeling embarrassed and frustrated, you may start to lose touch with individuals in your support system. 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 Benefits of Hearing Aids
Buying a hearing aid isn’t all about extreme, long-term worries. Your long term outlook will certainly improve but hearing aids will instantly improve your quality of life. If you can hear and engage in conversations, it decreases your chances of feeling isolated and lets you partake more completely in your social life. You will decrease your anxiety even further when you are capable of precisely communicating your health issues with your doctor and understanding his advice for treatment.
Is it time to consider a hearing aid? If you are dealing with any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:
- Keeping away from social situations because you’re afraid you can’t follow conversations
- Frequently wanting people to repeat themselves
- Turning the volume of the TV up very high
- Trouble hearing the person you’re speaking to if there’s background sound
These and perhaps other symptoms may be a signal 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.