There’s a very simple message for anybody suffering from hearing loss: Use hearing aids.
Why? A recent study found that people were less likely to develop health problems like anxiety, dementia, depression, and dangerous falls if they began wearing hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing impairment. While these health issues aren’t proven to be prevented by hearing aids, fewer health problems have been linked to their use. Results from the study revealed 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 dangerous fall.
Refrain From Making Excuses
If these numbers seem low to you, it’s significant to recall that your health is at stake, and every little bit counts. Previous studies have revealed a connection between hearing loss and other serious health issues, but this study proved it’s an ongoing, worsening issue. But many people who have hearing impairment don’t have it treated or ever use hearing aids. Why not? For many, the lack of insurance coverage is a problem. Even among those who have insurance, the expense might seem too high.
Others go through the motions, getting fitted for hearing aids and bringing them home only to leave them in the case because using them feels like too much of a hassle. Most people simply turn up the volume to solve the problem and don’t consider hearing loss as much of a problem.
Higher volume on the TV won’t solve the issue, however, and while hearing loss might seem to be an inevitable part of getting older, there is far more to it.
Healthy Hearing is Important
Obviously, a primary aspect of communication is the ability to hear. If your failure to communicate causes you to miss an essential instruction by your physician or direction by a family member, that’s an issue. Consequently, communicating your concerns and symptoms will be a challenge.
Other problems linked to a lack of reliable communication are less obvious. When you strain to hear and follow a conversation on the phone, you may lose touch with some of the people in your support system due to embarrassment and frustration. And clearly, your likelihood of developing dementia is higher if your brain doesn’t get enough stimulation which occurs when you are unable to hear.
Hearing Aid Advantages
Extreme long-term challenges aren’t all that getting hearing aids is about. Using a hearing aid will immediately improve your quality of life, as well as your long-term outlook. You will have a more satisfying social life and feel less isolated if you can hear and engage in conversations. You will reduce your anxiety even further when you are capable of precisely communicating your health concerns with your physician and understanding his guidance for treatment.
Do I need hearing aids? The answer is yes if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty hearing the person you’re speaking to if there is background sound
- Being so intimidated that you won’t be able to follow conversations, you avoid social interaction
- Turning the volume of the TV up very high
- Asking others to repeat what they said constantly
These are only a few of the symptoms that might reveal you should look into a hearing aid. If any of them sound familiar, ask us if a hearing aid may be right for you.