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 anxiety, dementia, depression, and dangerous falls if they began using hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing impairment. While this doesn’t prove hearing aids stop these health issues, their use is connected with fewer health issues. 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 have a dangerous fall.
Stop The Excuses
If these figures seem low to you, it’s essential to remember that your health is at risk, and every little bit counts. Prior studies have revealed a connection between hearing loss and other significant health problems, but this study verified it’s an ongoing, worsening problem. It’s important 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. Even among those with insurance, the cost might be too high.
Others go through the motions, getting fitted for hearing aids and bringing them home only to leave them in the case because using them seems like too much of an inconvenience. Many people don’t view hearing impairment as a major concern because they can turn up the TV volume to solve the problem.
While it may 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 right solution.
Healthy Hearing is Important
Hearing is clearly a big element of communication. Without the ability to communicate effectively, you may not understand questions posed by your doctors or family members. Consequently, communicating your concerns and symptoms will be difficult.
Other problems related to a lack of effective communication are less apparent. 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 stimulus, and we all recognize that exercising your mind can help fight against dementia.
The Advantages of Hearing Aids
Serious long-term concerns are not all that wearing hearing aids is about. Wearing a hearing aid will instantly improve your quality of life, in addition to your long-term outlook. You will have a more fulfilling social life and feel less isolated if you can hear and engage in conversations. You will decrease your anxiety even further when you are capable of precisely communicating your health concerns with your doctor and understanding his guidance for treatment.
Is it time to look into a hearing aid? If you are dealing with any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:
- Background noise makes it difficult to hear when someone is speaking to you
- Frequently needing people to repeat what they said
- Avoiding social situations for fear you can’t follow conversations
- Watching TV at very high volume
These and possibly other symptoms may be an indication that it’s time to consider getting a hearing aid. Schedule a consultation with us to determine if a hearing aid is the correct option for you, particularly if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.