For anyone experiencing hearing impairment, the message is simple: Get a hearing aid.
Why? A recent study found that people were not as likely to develop health problems like anxiety, dementia, depression, and dangerous falls if they started using hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing loss. While these health problems aren’t proven to be prevented by hearing aids, fewer health issues have been connected 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 have a serious fall.
Stop The Excuses
It’s worthwhile to consider that when it comes to your health, these figures might seem low but they’re still considerable. Prior studies have revealed a correlation between hearing loss and other significant health issues, but this study proved it’s an ongoing, worsening issue. But many individuals who have hearing loss don’t have it treated or ever use hearing aids. Why not? For many, the lack of insurance coverage is an issue. And the cost may still seem too high even with insurance.
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. Most individuals just turn up the volume to solve the dilemma and don’t consider hearing loss as much of a problem.
Higher volume on the TV won’t solve the problem, however, and while hearing loss might seem to be an unavoidable part of getting older, there is much more to it.
The Value of Healthy Hearing
Clearly, a major element of communication is the ability to hear. Without the ability to communicate effectively, you may not understand questions asked by your doctors or family members. Consequently, communicating your symptoms and concerns will be challenging.
There are also some less obvious problems related to inadequate communication. If attempting to have a conversation on the phone leaves you feeling frustrated and embarrassed, you might start to lose touch with people in your support system. Not being able to hear may even lead to less brain stimulation, and we all recognize that exercising your mind can help fight against dementia.
The Advantages of Hearing Aids
Buying a hearing aid isn’t all about severe, long-term worries. Your long term outlook will definitely improve but hearing aids will immediately enhance your quality of life. You will have a more fulfilling social life and feel less isolated if you can hear and take part in conversations. You will minimize your anxiety even further when you are capable of accurately communicating your health issues with your doctor 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:
- Avoiding social situations for fear you can’t follow conversations
- Difficulty hearing the person you are talking to if there’s background noise
- Constantly wanting people to repeat themselves
- Turning the volume of the TV way up
These are only some of the symptoms that might signify you should look into a hearing aid. If any of them sound familiar, ask us if a hearing aid may be right for you.
