There’s a very simple message for anyone suffering from hearing loss: Use hearing aids.
Why? A recent study revealed that people were not as likely to develop health issues such as anxiety, dementia, depression, and dangerous falls if they began using hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing loss. While these health issues aren’t proven to be eliminated by hearing aids, fewer health problems have been connected 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 suffer a dangerous fall.
Avoid Making Excuses
It’s important to keep in mind that regarding your health, these figures may seem low but they’re still significant. Previous research has demonstrated a correlation between hearing loss and other serious health issues, but this study verified it’s an ongoing, declining problem. But many people who have hearing impairment don’t address it or ever use hearing aids. Why not? Not having the correct insurance to cover some of the costs is a typical issue. Even among people with insurance, the cost might seem too high.
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 a hassle. Most individuals simply turn up the volume to solve the problem and don’t think about hearing loss as much of an issue.
While it may seem as if hearing loss is inescapable as you age, there’s more to it than that, and cranking up the volume is not the best answer.
The Importance of Healthy Hearing
Clearly, a primary element 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. As a result, you might not be able to convey your symptoms and concerns.
There are also some less obvious issues related to inadequate communication. If trying to have phone conversations leaves you feeling frustrated and embarrassed, you may start to lose touch with individuals in your support system. And obviously, your chance of developing dementia is higher if your brain doesn’t receive enough stimulus which occurs when you can’t hear.
Hearing Aid Benefits
Severe long-term concerns are not 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. If you can hear and take part in conversations, it lowers your chances of feeling isolated and allows you to participate more completely in your social life. You will decrease your anxiety even further when you are capable of precisely communicating your health issues with your physician and comprehending his advice for treatment.
Do I need hearing aids? If you have any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:
- Difficulty hearing the person you’re talking to if there’s background noise
- Being so afraid you won’t be able to follow conversations, you stay away from social interaction
- Asking others to repeat themselves frequently
- Turning the volume of the TV up very high
These and perhaps other symptoms may be an indication that it’s time to consider getting a hearing aid. If any of them sound familiar, ask us if a hearing aid might be the right option for you.
