For anyone suffering from hearing impairment, the message is straightforward: Get a hearing aid.
Why? A recent study revealed that individuals who received hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing impairment were less likely to experience depression, anxiety, dementia, and hazardous falls than people who did not receive hearing aids. While this doesn’t prove hearing aids stop these health problems, their use is linked to fewer health problems. The study reveals that seniors who wore hearing aids had a 13% less likely chance of having a hazardous 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
It’s worthwhile to keep in mind that regarding your health, these figures might appear low but they’re still significant. Prior studies have shown a connection between hearing loss and other serious health problems, but this study proved it’s an ongoing, worsening issue. But many people who have hearing loss don’t address it or ever use hearing aids. Why not? Not having the appropriate insurance to cover some of the costs is a typical problem. And the cost may still be too high even for those who have insurance.
Others go through the motions, getting fitted for hearing aids and bringing them home only to let them sit in the case because wearing them seems like too much of a hassle. Many individuals don’t view hearing loss as an important issue because they can turn the volume of the TV up to solve the problem.
While it might seem like hearing loss is inevitable as you get older, there’s more to it than that, and turning up the volume is not the right answer.
The Importance of Healthy Hearing
Obviously, a primary aspect of communication is the ability to hear. Without the ability to communicate effectively, you may not understand questions posed by your physicians or family members. As a result, you might not be able to convey your concerns and symptoms.
Other concerns linked to a lack of effective communication are less obvious. If attempting to have phone conversations leaves you feeling embarrassed and frustrated, you may start to lose touch with individuals in your support system. And clearly, your chance of developing dementia is higher if your brain doesn’t receive enough stimulation which occurs when you are unable to hear.
Hearing Aid Benefits
Buying a hearing aid isn’t only about extreme, long-term worries. Using a hearing aid will immediately improve your quality of life, in addition to your long-term outlook. If you can hear and engage in conversations, it lowers your chances of feeling isolated and lets you participate more completely in your social life. You will decrease your anxiety even further when you are capable of accurately communicating your health issues with your physician 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:
- Difficulty hearing the person you are talking to if there is background noise
- Constantly wanting people to repeat themselves
- Turning the volume of the TV way up
- Being so afraid you won’t be able to follow conversations, you stay away from social interaction
These are only some of the symptoms that may indicate you need to look into a hearing aid. Come see us to find out if a hearing aid is the right choice for you, particularly if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
