For anyone dealing with hearing loss, the message is simple: Get a hearing aid.
Why? A recent study revealed that people who received hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing loss were less likely to experience dementia, depression, anxiety, and dangerous falls than people who did not 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 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 anxiety and depression.
Avoid Making Excuses
If these figures seem low to you, it’s significant to recall that your health is at stake, and every little bit counts. Prior research has revealed a connection between hearing loss and other serious health problems, but this study verified it’s an ongoing, worsening problem. It’s significant to remember that many people diagnosed with hearing loss don’t bother getting hearing aids. Why not? Not having the proper insurance to cover some of the costs is a common issue. And the cost may still seem too high even for those who have insurance.
Some individuals actually go in and get fitted but when they bring their hearing aid home, it feels like too much hassle to wear them, so they don’t. Most individuals just turn up the volume to solve the dilemma and don’t consider hearing loss as much of an issue.
While it may seem as if hearing loss is inescapable as you age, there’s more to it than that, and cranking the volume up is not the right answer.
Healthy Hearing is Vital
Clearly, a primary element of communication is the ability to hear. If your inability to communicate causes you to miss an essential instruction by your doctor or guidance by a family member, that’s an issue. As a result, you might not be able to convey your concerns and symptoms.
There are also some less apparent issues associated with poor communication. When you strain to hear and keep up with a conversation on the phone, you might lose touch with some of the people in your support system out of embarrassment and frustration. And clearly, your chance of developing dementia is higher if your brain doesn’t get enough stimulation which happens when you are unable to hear.
The Advantages of Hearing Aids
Serious long-term concerns aren’t all that wearing hearing aids is about. Your long term outlook will definitely improve but hearing aids will immediately enhance your quality of life. If you can hear and take part in conversations, it lowers your chances of feeling isolated and allows you to participate more completely in your social life. You will reduce your anxiety even further when you are able to precisely communicate your health issues with your physician and understanding his advice for treatment.
Is it time to consider a hearing aid? If you have any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:
- Difficulty hearing the person you are talking to if there’s background noise
- Watching TV at very high volume
- Asking others to repeat themselves frequently
- Being so afraid you won’t be able to follow conversations, you avoid social situations
These and possibly other symptoms might be an indication that it’s time to consider getting a hearing aid. Come see us to determine if a hearing aid is the correct option for you, especially if any of these symptoms sound familiar.