There’s a very simple message for anybody suffering from hearing loss: Use hearing aids.
Why? A recent study found that people were not as likely to develop health issues such as anxiety, dementia, depression, and dangerous falls if they began wearing hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing loss. While these health problems aren’t proven to be prevented 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 have a serious fall.
Stop The Excuses
It’s important to keep in mind that when it comes to your health, these figures might seem low but they’re still significant. Prior research has shown a connection between hearing loss and other significant health problems, but this study proved it’s an ongoing, worsening problem. 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 costs is a common problem. Even among those who have insurance, the cost could seem too high.
Others go through the motions, getting fitted for hearing aids and taking them home only to leave them in the case because wearing them seems like too much of an inconvenience. Most people simply turn up the volume to solve the dilemma and don’t think about hearing loss as much of a problem.
While it may seem like hearing loss is unavoidable as you get older, there’s more to it than that, and cranking up the volume is not the best answer.
Healthy Hearing is Important
Hearing is obviously a huge element of communication. If your failure to communicate causes you to miss an essential instruction by your doctor or guidance by a family member, that’s a problem. Consequently, communicating your concerns and symptoms will be a challenge.
There are also some less obvious issues related to inadequate communication. If attempting to have phone conversations leaves you feeling frustrated and embarrassed, you might begin to lose touch with individuals in your support system. And obviously, your likelihood of developing dementia is higher if your brain doesn’t get enough stimulation which occurs when you are unable to hear.
The Advantages of Hearing Aids
Getting a hearing aid isn’t only about extreme, long-term concerns. Your long term outlook will certainly 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 engage in conversations. You will minimize your anxiety even further when you are able to precisely communicate your health issues with your physician and understanding his guidance for treatment.
Is it time to look into a hearing aid? If you have any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:
- Asking others to repeat themselves constantly
- Difficulty hearing the person you’re talking to if there is background noise
- Turning the volume of the TV way up
- Keeping away from social interaction because you’re afraid you can’t follow conversations
These and perhaps other symptoms may be an indication that it’s time to consider getting a hearing aid. Come see us to find out if a hearing aid is the best option for you, particularly if any of these symptoms sound familiar.