For anybody suffering from hearing loss, the message is straightforward: Get a hearing aid.
Why? A recent study revealed 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 loss. While these health issues aren’t proven to be eliminated by hearing aids, fewer health problems 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.
Refrain From Making Excuses
If these figures seem low to you, it’s essential to recall that your health is at stake, and every little bit counts. Previous research has demonstrated a correlation between hearing loss and other serious health issues, but this study proved it’s an ongoing, declining problem. It’s important to note that many individuals diagnosed with hearing loss don’t bother buying hearing aids. Why not? Not having the correct insurance to cover some of the costs is a typical problem. Even among people who have insurance, the cost may be too high.
Some individuals actually go in and get fitted but when they bring their hearing aid home, it feels like too much hassle to wear them, so they don’t. Most individuals just turn up the volume to solve the problem and don’t think about hearing loss as much of an issue.
While it might seem like hearing loss is unavoidable as you age, there’s more to it than that, and turning the volume up is not the best solution.
Healthy Hearing is Important
Hearing is obviously a huge element of communication. If your inability 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 symptoms and concerns will be difficult.
Other problems associated with 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 frustration or embarrassment. And obviously, your likelihood of developing dementia is higher if your brain doesn’t receive enough stimulus which occurs when you can’t hear.
Hearing Aid Benefits
Getting a hearing aid isn’t all about serious, 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 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 capable of precisely communicating your health issues with your physician and understanding his advice for treatment.
Do I need hearing aids? If you have any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:
- Avoiding social interaction because you’re afraid you can’t follow conversations
- Watching TV at extreme volume
- Trouble hearing the person you are speaking to if there is background sound
- Constantly wanting people to repeat what they said
These are only a few of the symptoms that may indicate you should look into a hearing aid. Schedule a consultation with us to find out if a hearing aid is the right option for you, particularly if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.