For anyone experiencing hearing impairment, the message is simple: Get a hearing aid.
Why? A recent study revealed that people were not as likely to develop health issues like depression, anxiety, dementia, and dangerous falls if they began wearing 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 linked to fewer health issues. 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.
Refrain From Making Excuses
If these figures seem low to you, it’s significant to remember that your health is at risk, and every little bit counts. Prior research has demonstrated a connection between hearing loss and other significant health issues, but this study proved it’s an ongoing, declining issue. But many people who have hearing loss don’t address it or ever use hearing aids. Why not? For many, the lack of insurance coverage is a problem. And the cost may still be too high even with insurance.
Some individuals actually go in and get fitted but when they bring their hearing aid home, it seems like too much hassle to use them, so they don’t. 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.
Higher volume on the TV won’t solve the problem, though, and while hearing loss may seem to be an inevitable part of getting older, there is far more to it.
The Value of Healthy Hearing
Clearly, a major element of communication is the ability to hear. If your inability to communicate causes you to miss an essential instruction by your doctor or direction by a family member, that’s a problem. Consequently, communicating your symptoms and concerns will be challenging.
Other problems associated with a lack of reliable communication are less obvious. If trying to have a conversation on the phone leaves you feeling frustrated and embarrassed, you might begin to lose touch with people in your support system. And clearly, your chance of developing dementia is higher if your brain doesn’t get enough stimulation which happens when you can’t hear.
The Advantages of Hearing Aids
Severe long-term challenges aren’t all that getting hearing aids is about. Using a hearing aid will instantly enhance your quality of life, as well as your long-term wellbeing. You will have a more gratifying social life and feel less isolated if you can hear and take part in conversations. You will decrease your anxiety even further when you are capable of precisely communicating your health issues with your physician and comprehending his advice for treatment.
Is it time to consider a hearing aid? The answer is yes if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Watching TV at very high volume
- Frequently wanting people to repeat themselves
- Being so intimidated that you won’t be able to follow conversations, you stay away from social interaction
- Background noise makes it difficult to hear when someone is speaking to you
These and perhaps other symptoms could be a signal 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.