There’s a very simple message for anybody struggling with hearing loss: Use hearing aids.
Why? A recent study found that people were less likely to develop health problems like depression, anxiety, dementia, and dangerous falls if they began using hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing impairment. While these health problems aren’t proven to be eliminated by hearing aids, fewer health issues have been connected to their use. Results from the study demonstrated 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.
Avoid Making Excuses
It’s worthwhile to keep in mind that regarding your health, these numbers may seem low but they’re still considerable. Previous studies have demonstrated a correlation between hearing loss and other serious health issues, but this study verified it’s an ongoing, declining problem. It’s essential to note that many individuals diagnosed with hearing loss don’t bother getting hearing aids. Why not? Not having the proper insurance to cover some of the expenses is a common problem. Even among people who have insurance, the expense might be too high.
Others go through the motions, getting fitted for hearing aids and bringing them home only to leave them in the case because using them feels like too much of an inconvenience. Many individuals don’t view hearing impairment as an important issue because they can turn up the TV volume to solve the problem.
While it may seem like hearing loss is inescapable as you age, there’s more to it than that, and turning up the volume is not the best solution.
The Value of Healthy Hearing
Hearing is obviously a big element of communication. Without the ability to communicate properly, you might not comprehend questions posed by your doctors or family. Consequently, communicating your concerns and symptoms will be difficult.
Other problems related to a lack of reliable communication are less apparent. When you strain to hear and follow a conversation on the phone, you may lose touch with some of the people in your support system due to embarrassment and frustration. Not being able to hear might even result in less brain stimulation, and we all recognize that exercising your mind can help combat dementia.
Hearing Aid Advantages
Serious long-term concerns are not all that wearing hearing aids is about. Your long term outlook will certainly improve but hearing aids will instantly enhance your quality of life. You will have a more fulfilling social life and feel less isolated if you can hear and engage in conversations. When you can communicate intelligibly with your physician, you can accurately share the health problems you are experiencing and comprehend your doctor’s treatment plan to reduce your anxiety even more.
Do I need hearing aids? The answer is yes if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Watching TV at extreme volume
- Avoiding social interaction for fear you can’t follow conversations
- Background sound makes it difficult to hear when someone is speaking to you
- Frequently needing people to repeat what they said
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.