For anyone experiencing hearing loss, the message is simple: Get a hearing aid.
Why? A recent study found that people who received hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing impairment were less likely to experience depression, anxiety, dementia, and dangerous falls than people who did not get hearing aids. While this doesn’t prove hearing aids prevent these health issues, their use is associated with fewer health issues. 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 have a dangerous fall.
Stop The Excuses
It’s important to consider that when it comes to your health, these figures might appear low but they’re still significant. Prior research has revealed a correlation between hearing loss and other serious health issues, but this study verified it’s an ongoing, declining issue. But many people who have hearing loss don’t address it or ever use hearing aids. Why not? For many, the lack of insurance coverage is an issue. And the expense may still be too high even for those who have insurance.
Others go through the motions, getting fitted for hearing aids and taking them home only to let them sit in the case because wearing them seems like too much of a hassle. Many individuals don’t view hearing impairment as a major concern because they can turn up the TV volume to solve the problem.
While it might seem as if hearing loss is inescapable as you get older, there’s more to it than that, and cranking up the volume is not the correct answer.
Healthy Hearing is Vital
Hearing is clearly a huge part of communication. If your inability to communicate causes you to miss an essential instruction by your physician or guidance by a family member, that’s an issue. As a result, you may not be able to convey your symptoms and concerns.
Other issues related to a lack of effective communication are less apparent. When you struggle 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. Not being able to hear may even result in less brain stimulation, and we all know that exercising your mind can help fight against dementia.
Hearing Aid Benefits
Serious long-term concerns are not all that getting hearing aids is about. Using a hearing aid will instantly improve your quality of life, in addition to your long-term wellbeing. You will have a more fulfilling social life and feel less isolated if you can hear and engage in conversations. You will reduce your anxiety even further when you are capable of accurately 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:
- Asking others to repeat what they said frequently
- Keeping away from social interaction for fear you can’t follow conversations
- Turning the volume of the TV up very high
- Background sound makes it tough to hear when somebody is speaking to you
These are only a few of the symptoms that could reveal you should look into a hearing aid. Schedule a consultation with us to determine if a hearing aid is the best choice for you, particularly if any of these symptoms sound familiar.