There’s a very basic 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 experience dementia, depression, anxiety, and dangerous falls than people who didn’t get hearing aids. While these health issues aren’t proven to be eliminated by hearing aids, fewer health issues have been linked 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 suffer a dangerous fall.
Stop The Excuses
It’s worthwhile to keep in mind that when it comes to your health, these figures might seem low but they’re still significant. Prior research has revealed a link between hearing loss and other significant health problems, but this study verified it’s an ongoing, declining issue. But many individuals who have hearing loss don’t address it or ever use hearing aids. Why not? Not having the appropriate insurance to cover some of the expenses is a common problem. And the cost might still be too high even with insurance.
Others go through the motions, getting fitted for hearing aids and bringing them home only to let them sit in the case because wearing them seems like too much of an inconvenience. Most individuals simply turn up the volume to solve the problem and don’t think about hearing loss as much of an issue.
Louder volume on the TV won’t solve the issue, however, and while hearing loss may seem to be an inevitable part of getting older, there is much more to it.
The Value of Healthy Hearing
Hearing is clearly a large part of communication. Without the ability to communicate effectively, you may not understand questions asked by your doctors or family. As a result, you may not be capable of conveying your symptoms and concerns.
Other issues linked to a lack of effective communication are less obvious. When you strain to hear and keep up with a conversation on the phone, you may lose touch with some of the people in your support system out of embarrassment and frustration. Not being able to hear might even lead to less brain stimulus, and we all know that exercising your mind can help fend off dementia.
The Advantages of Hearing Aids
Getting a hearing aid isn’t only about severe, long-term concerns. Your long term wellbeing will definitely improve but hearing aids will instantly improve your quality of life. You will have a more gratifying social life and feel less isolated if you can hear and take part in conversations. You will decrease your anxiety even further when you are able to precisely communicate your health issues with your doctor and comprehending his guidance for treatment.
Is it time to look into a hearing aid? If you are dealing with any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:
- Asking people to repeat themselves constantly
- Difficulty hearing the person you’re talking to if there’s background sound
- Keeping away from social situations for fear you can’t follow conversations
- Turning the volume of the TV up very high
These are only a few of the symptoms that could reveal you should consider 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.