There’s a very basic message for anyone struggling with hearing loss: Use hearing aids.
Why? A recent study revealed that individuals who received hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing loss were less likely to develop depression, anxiety, dementia, and hazardous falls than those who didn’t get hearing aids. While these health problems aren’t proven to be prevented by hearing aids, fewer health problems have been connected to their use. Results from the study revealed that hearing aid users were 18% less likely to develop dementia, 11% less likely to develop depression or anxiety, and 13% less likely to have a serious fall.
Refrain From Making Excuses
It’s worthwhile to keep in mind that regarding your health, these figures might appear low but they’re still significant. Previous studies have demonstrated a connection between hearing loss and other significant 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? Not having the proper insurance to cover some of the costs is a common issue. Even among people with insurance, the cost may seem too high.
Some individuals actually go in and get fitted but when they get their hearing aid home, it feels like too much hassle to wear them, so they don’t. Many individuals don’t view hearing loss as a major concern because they can turn up the TV volume to solve the problem.
Louder volume on the TV won’t solve the problem, though, and while hearing loss might seem to be an inevitable part of getting older, there is much more to it.
Healthy Hearing is Important
Clearly, a principal element of communication is the ability to hear. Without the ability to communicate precisely, you might not comprehend questions posed by your physicians or family. Consequently, communicating your concerns and symptoms will be difficult.
Other problems linked to a lack of reliable communication are less apparent. If trying to have a conversation on the phone leaves you feeling frustrated and embarrassed, you may begin to lose touch with individuals in your support system. Not being able to hear may even result in less brain stimulation, and we all recognize that exercising your mind can help combat dementia.
The Benefits of Hearing Aids
Getting a hearing aid isn’t only about serious, long-term worries. Using a hearing aid will instantly improve your quality of life, as well as your long-term outlook. If you can hear and participate in conversations, it reduces 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 doctor and understanding his guidance for treatment.
Is it time to consider a hearing aid? If you have any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:
- Turning the volume of the TV way up
- Asking others to repeat what they said frequently
- Background noise makes it difficult to hear when someone is talking to you
- Being so afraid you won’t be able to follow conversations, you avoid social situations
These are only a few of the symptoms that may signify you need to look into a hearing aid. If any of them sound familiar, ask us if a hearing aid might be the right choice for you.