There’s a very simple message for anyone struggling with hearing loss: Use hearing aids.
Why? A recent study found that people were not as likely to develop health issues such as depression, anxiety, dementia, and dangerous falls if they started using hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing impairment. While these health concerns aren’t proven to be prevented by hearing aids, fewer health problems 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 serious fall.
Stop The Excuses
It’s important to consider that when it comes to your health, these figures may seem low but they’re still considerable. Previous research has revealed a link between hearing loss and other serious health problems, but this study proved it’s an ongoing, worsening issue. But many individuals who have hearing loss don’t have it treated or ever use hearing aids. Why not? For many, the absence of insurance coverage is a problem. Even among those who have insurance, the cost may 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 feels like too much of an inconvenience. Many individuals don’t view hearing impairment as a major issue because they can turn the volume of the TV up to solve the problem.
While it might seem like hearing loss is unavoidable as you get older, there’s more to it than that, and turning up the volume is not the best solution.
Healthy Hearing is Vital
Obviously, a major element of communication is the ability to hear. Without the ability to communicate effectively, you might not understand questions posed by your physicians or family. Consequently, communicating your symptoms and concerns will be difficult.
Other issues related to a lack of effective communication are less apparent. When you struggle to hear and follow a conversation on the phone, you might lose touch with some of the people in your support system due to frustration or embarrassment. Not being able to hear may even result in less brain stimulus, and we all know that exercising your mind can help fend off dementia.
Hearing Aid Benefits
Serious long-term concerns aren’t all that wearing hearing aids is about. Your long term wellbeing will definitely improve but hearing aids will immediately improve your quality of life. If you can hear and engage in conversations, it reduces your chances of feeling isolated and allows you to participate more completely in your social life. You will decrease your anxiety even further when you are capable of accurately communicating your health concerns with your physician and understanding his guidance for treatment.
Is it time to consider a hearing aid? The answer is yes if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Watching TV at very loud volume
- Difficulty hearing the person you are talking to if there’s background sound
- Being so afraid you won’t be able to follow conversations, you avoid social situations
- Constantly needing people to repeat themselves
These and perhaps other symptoms may 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 right for you.