There’s a very simple message for anyone struggling with hearing loss: Use hearing aids.
Why? A recent study revealed that people were less likely to develop health problems such as anxiety, dementia, depression, and dangerous falls if they began wearing hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing loss. 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 hazardous fall. They also had an 18% less likely chance of developing dementia and an 11% less likelihood of developing anxiety and depression.
Stop The Excuses
It’s important to keep in mind that regarding your health, these numbers might appear low but they’re still significant. Prior research has shown a link between hearing loss and other serious health issues, but this study verified it’s an ongoing, declining problem. It’s significant to note that many individuals diagnosed with hearing loss don’t bother getting hearing aids. Why not? For many, the absence of insurance coverage is an issue. And the cost may still be too high even for those who have insurance.
Some people actually go in and get fitted but when they get their hearing aid home, it seems like too much trouble to use them, so they don’t. Many people don’t view hearing impairment as a major issue because they can turn up the TV volume to solve the problem.
Louder volume on the TV won’t solve the problem, however, and while hearing loss may seem to be an unavoidable part of growing older, there is a lot more to it.
The Importance of Healthy Hearing
Obviously, a major element of communication is the ability to hear. Without the ability to communicate effectively, you might not understand questions posed by your physicians or family. As a result, you might not be capable of conveying your concerns and symptoms.
There are also some less apparent problems related to poor communication. If trying to have a conversation on the phone leaves you feeling embarrassed and frustrated, you might start to lose touch with people in your support system. Not being able to hear may even result in less brain stimulus, and we all recognize that exercising your mind can help fight against dementia.
The Advantages of Hearing Aids
Getting a hearing aid isn’t all about severe, long-term worries. Using a hearing aid will instantly improve your quality of life, in addition to your long-term outlook. If you can hear and take part in conversations, it lowers your chances of feeling isolated and lets you partake more completely in your social life. When you can communicate clearly with your physician, you can effectively share the health problems you are experiencing and comprehend your doctor’s treatment plan to decrease your anxiety further.
Do I need hearing aids? If you are dealing with any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:
- Background noise makes it tough to hear when somebody is speaking to you
- Being so intimidated that you won’t be able to follow conversations, you avoid social interaction
- Constantly wanting people to repeat themselves
- Watching TV at extreme volume
These and possibly other symptoms might be a signal that it’s time to think about getting a hearing aid. If any of them sound familiar, ask us if a hearing aid might be the right option for you.