There’s a very simple message for anyone 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 develop dementia, depression, anxiety, and hazardous falls than people who didn’t receive hearing aids. While these health concerns aren’t proven to be eliminated by hearing aids, fewer health issues have been connected to their use. The study reveals that seniors who wore 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.
Stop The Excuses
It’s worthwhile to consider that when it comes to your health, these numbers might appear low but they’re still considerable. Prior studies have demonstrated a link between hearing loss and other serious health problems, but this study verified it’s an ongoing, declining issue. It’s significant to remember that many individuals diagnosed with hearing loss don’t bother buying hearing aids. Why not? Not having the correct insurance to cover some of the expenses is a common issue. And the expense might still seem 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 use them, so they don’t. Most individuals just turn up the volume to solve the problem and don’t think about hearing loss as much of a problem.
Higher volume on the TV won’t solve the problem, though, and while hearing loss may seem to be an unavoidable part of growing older, there is far more to it.
The Value of Healthy Hearing
Obviously, a principal element of communication is the ability to hear. If your failure to communicate causes you to miss a critical instruction by your physician or direction by a family member, that’s a problem. Consequently, communicating your concerns and symptoms will be difficult.
Other problems linked to a lack of effective communication are less apparent. If trying to have phone conversations leaves you feeling frustrated and embarrassed, you may begin to lose touch with people in your support system. And obviously, your likelihood of developing dementia is higher if your brain doesn’t get enough stimulus which occurs when you can’t hear.
Hearing Aid Benefits
Getting a hearing aid isn’t all about severe, long-term concerns. Using a hearing aid will instantly enhance your quality of life, as well as your long-term wellbeing. If you can hear and take part in conversations, it minimizes your chances of feeling isolated and lets you participate more fully in your social life. When you can communicate clearly with your physician, you can accurately share the health concerns you are experiencing and comprehend your doctor’s treatment plan to reduce your anxiety even more.
Is it time to consider a hearing aid? The answer is yes if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Being so intimidated that you won’t be able to follow conversations, you avoid social interaction
- Asking people to repeat themselves frequently
- Turning the volume of the TV up very high
- Difficulty hearing the person you’re talking to if there is background sound
These and perhaps other symptoms could be an indication that it’s time to think about getting a hearing aid. If any of them sound familiar, ask us if a hearing aid might be the right option for you.