There’s a very basic message for anybody suffering from hearing loss: Use hearing aids.
Why? A recent study found that people 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 those who didn’t receive hearing aids. While this doesn’t prove hearing aids prevent these health problems, their use is associated with fewer health issues. The study shows that seniors who use 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 depression and anxiety.
Refrain From Making Excuses
If these figures seem low to you, it’s essential to recall that your health is at risk, and every little bit counts. Prior studies have revealed a link between hearing loss and other significant health issues, but this study verified it’s an ongoing, declining problem. But many individuals who have hearing impairment don’t address it or ever use hearing aids. Why not? For many, the absence of insurance coverage is an issue. And the expense may still seem too high even with insurance.
Others go through the motions, getting fitted for hearing aids and taking them home only to let them sit in the case because using them feels like too much of an inconvenience. Most individuals simply turn up the volume to solve the dilemma and don’t consider hearing loss as much of an issue.
While it may seem as if hearing loss is inevitable as you get older, there’s more to it than that, and cranking the volume up is not the best solution.
Healthy Hearing is Important
Obviously, a major aspect of communication is the ability to hear. If your inability to communicate causes you to miss a critical instruction by your doctor or direction by a family member, that’s an issue. Consequently, communicating your concerns and symptoms will be difficult.
There are also some less apparent issues associated with poor communication. If trying to have a conversation on the phone leaves you feeling embarrassed and frustrated, you may start to lose touch with individuals in your support system. And clearly, your likelihood of developing dementia is higher if your brain doesn’t receive enough stimulation which happens when you can’t hear.
The Benefits of Hearing Aids
Extreme long-term concerns are not all that getting hearing aids is about. Wearing a hearing aid will instantly enhance your quality of life, in addition to your long-term wellbeing. If you can hear and participate in conversations, it decreases your chances of feeling isolated and allows you to partake more completely 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 understanding his guidance for treatment.
Should I get hearing aids? If you have any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:
- Trouble hearing the person you are talking to if there’s background noise
- Keeping away from social interaction for fear you can’t follow conversations
- Watching TV at extreme volume
- Frequently wanting people to repeat what they said
These are only some of the symptoms that may signify you should look into a hearing aid. If any of them sound familiar, ask us if a hearing aid may be the right option for you.