For anyone experiencing hearing impairment, the message is straightforward: Get a hearing aid.
Why? A recent study revealed 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 those who didn’t receive hearing aids. While these health problems aren’t proven to be prevented by hearing aids, fewer health issues have been linked to their use. 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 suffer a serious fall.
Stop The Excuses
It’s important to keep in mind that when it comes to your health, these numbers might seem low but they’re still significant. Previous research has revealed a connection between hearing loss and other serious health issues, but this study verified it’s an ongoing, worsening problem. It’s essential to note that many people diagnosed with hearing loss don’t bother getting hearing aids. Why not? For many, the lack of insurance coverage is an issue. And the expense might still be too high even with insurance.
Some people actually go in and get fitted but when they bring their hearing aid home, it seems like too much trouble to wear them, so they don’t. Most people 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 growing older, there is a lot more to it.
The Value of Healthy Hearing
Hearing is obviously a big part of communication. If your failure to communicate causes you to miss an important instruction by your doctor or direction by a family member, that’s an issue. Consequently, communicating your concerns and symptoms will be a challenge.
There are also some less obvious issues related to poor communication. When you struggle to hear and follow a conversation on the phone, you may lose touch with some of the people in your support system out of frustration or embarrassment. Not being able to hear might even lead to less brain stimulation, and we all know that exercising your mind can help fend off dementia.
Hearing Aid Advantages
Buying a hearing aid isn’t all about serious, long-term concerns. Using a hearing aid will immediately improve your quality of life, in addition to your long-term wellbeing. You will have a more satisfying social life and feel less isolated if you can hear and engage in conversations. You will reduce your anxiety even further when you are able to precisely communicate your health issues with your doctor and comprehending 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:
- Frequently needing people to repeat what they said
- Trouble hearing the person you’re talking to if there’s background sound
- Watching TV at very high volume
- Avoiding social situations because you’re afraid you can’t follow conversations
These and possibly other symptoms may be a signal that it’s time to consider getting a hearing aid. Come see us to determine if a hearing aid is the right choice for you, particularly if any of these symptoms sound familiar.
