There’s a very basic message for anybody suffering from hearing loss: Use hearing aids.
Why? A recent study revealed that people were less likely to develop health issues like depression, anxiety, dementia, and dangerous falls if they started wearing hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing loss. While these health issues aren’t proven to be eliminated by hearing aids, fewer health issues have been connected to their use. The study reveals that seniors who wore hearing aids had a 13% less likely chance of having a serious fall. They also had an 18% less likely chance of developing dementia and an 11% less likelihood of developing depression and anxiety.
Stop The Excuses
If these numbers seem low to you, it’s essential to recall that your health is at stake, and every little bit counts. Previous studies have revealed a correlation between hearing loss and other serious health issues, but this study verified 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 an issue. Even among people who have insurance, the expense might seem too high.
Others go through the motions, getting fitted for hearing aids and taking them home only to let them sit in the case because using them feels like too much of an inconvenience. Many people don’t view hearing impairment as an important issue because they can turn the volume of the TV up to solve the problem.
Louder volume on the TV won’t solve the problem, however, and while hearing loss may seem to be an inevitable part of growing older, there is far more to it.
The Value of Healthy Hearing
Hearing is clearly a big part of communication. Without the ability to communicate effectively, you might not comprehend questions asked by your physicians or family members. As a result, you might not be capable of conveying your concerns and symptoms.
There are also some less obvious issues associated with inadequate communication. If trying to have phone conversations leaves you feeling frustrated and embarrassed, you may start to lose touch with people in your support system. Not being able to hear might even result in less brain stimulus, and we all know that exercising your mind can help combat dementia.
Hearing Aid Advantages
Getting a hearing aid isn’t all about severe, long-term concerns. Your long term wellbeing will definitely improve but hearing aids will instantly enhance your quality of life. You will have a more gratifying social life and feel less isolated if you can hear and take part in conversations. When you can communicate intelligibly with your physician, you can accurately share the health issues you are experiencing and comprehend your doctor’s treatment plan to decrease your anxiety even more.
Do I need hearing aids? If you have any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:
- Watching TV at extreme volume
- Background noise makes it hard to hear when somebody is talking to you
- Keeping away from social situations because you’re afraid you can’t follow conversations
- Asking others to repeat themselves constantly
These and potentially other symptoms may be a signal that it’s time to think about getting a hearing aid. Come see us to determine if a hearing aid is the best choice for you, particularly if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.