There’s a very basic message for anybody struggling with hearing loss: Use hearing aids.
Why? A recent study found that people were not as likely to develop health problems like anxiety, dementia, depression, and dangerous falls if they began using hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing impairment. While this doesn’t prove hearing aids stop these health problems, their use is associated with fewer health problems. 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 suffer a serious fall.
Stop The Excuses
If these numbers seem low to you, it’s important to recall that your health is at risk, and every little bit counts. Prior research has demonstrated a link between hearing loss and other significant health problems, but this study verified it’s an ongoing, worsening problem. But many people who have hearing loss don’t have it treated or ever use hearing aids. Why not? Not having the correct insurance to cover some of the expenses is a typical issue. And the cost might still be too high even for those who have insurance.
Some individuals actually go in and get fitted but when they bring their hearing aid home, it feels like too much trouble to use them, so they don’t. Many individuals don’t view hearing loss as a major issue because they can turn up the TV volume to solve the problem.
While it may seem like hearing loss is inescapable as you age, there’s more to it than that, and cranking the volume up is not the right answer.
Healthy Hearing is Vital
Hearing is clearly a big element of communication. If your inability to communicate causes you to miss a critical instruction by your doctor or direction by a family member, that’s a problem. As a result, you might not be capable of conveying your concerns and symptoms.
Other issues associated with a lack of effective communication are less apparent. If attempting to have a conversation on the phone leaves you feeling frustrated and embarrassed, you may begin to lose touch with people in your support system. Not being able to hear might even result in less brain stimulus, and we all know that exercising your mind can help fend off dementia.
The Advantages of Hearing Aids
Severe long-term concerns aren’t all that wearing hearing aids is about. Using a hearing aid will immediately improve 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 minimize your anxiety even further when you are able to precisely communicate your health concerns 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:
- Asking others to repeat themselves constantly
- Being so afraid you won’t be able to follow conversations, you avoid social situations
- Trouble hearing the person you are speaking to if there’s background sound
- Watching TV at extreme volume
These are only some of the symptoms that might indicate you need to consider a hearing aid. If any of them sound familiar, ask us if a hearing aid might be right for you.