For anybody experiencing hearing loss, the message is simple: Get a hearing aid.
Why? A recent study revealed that people who received hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing loss were less likely to experience dementia, depression, anxiety, and hazardous falls than those who didn’t get hearing aids. While these health issues aren’t proven to be prevented by hearing aids, fewer health issues have been connected to their use. The study shows 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 anxiety and depression.
Avoid Making Excuses
If these numbers seem low to you, it’s significant to recall that your health is at risk, and every little bit counts. Previous research has revealed a link between hearing loss and other serious health issues, but this study proved it’s an ongoing, declining issue. It’s essential to note that many people diagnosed with hearing loss don’t bother buying hearing aids. Why not? Not having the appropriate insurance to cover some of the costs is a common problem. Even among those with insurance, the expense could be too high.
Others go through the motions, getting fitted for hearing aids and bringing them home only to let them sit in the case because using them seems like too much of an inconvenience. Many individuals don’t view hearing impairment as an important issue because they can turn up the TV volume to solve the problem.
Higher volume on the TV won’t solve the issue, though, and while hearing loss may seem to be an inevitable part of getting older, there is a lot more to it.
Healthy Hearing is Vital
Clearly, a primary element of communication is the ability to hear. If your inability to communicate causes you to miss an important instruction by your physician or direction by a family member, that’s a problem. As a result, you may not be able to convey your concerns and symptoms.
Other concerns associated with a lack of reliable communication are less apparent. If attempting to have a conversation on the phone leaves you feeling frustrated and embarrassed, you may begin to lose touch with people in your support system. And clearly, your likelihood of developing dementia is higher if your brain doesn’t receive enough stimulus which occurs when you are unable to hear.
Hearing Aid Benefits
Getting a hearing aid isn’t only about serious, long-term concerns. Your long term outlook will definitely improve but hearing aids will instantly improve your quality of life. If you can hear and engage in conversations, it lowers your chances of feeling isolated and allows you to partake more fully in your social life. You will reduce your anxiety even further when you are able to precisely communicate your health concerns with your doctor and comprehend his advice for treatment.
Is it time to look into a hearing aid? The answer is yes if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Trouble hearing the person you’re talking to if there is background sound
- Keeping away from social situations for fear you can’t follow conversations
- Watching TV at extreme volume
- Frequently wanting people to repeat themselves
These and potentially other symptoms may be an indication that it’s time to consider getting a hearing aid. Come see us to determine if a hearing aid is the right option for you, particularly if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
