For anyone dealing with hearing loss, the message is simple: Get a hearing aid.
Why? A recent study revealed that people who received hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing impairment were less likely to experience depression, anxiety, dementia, and dangerous falls than people who didn’t get hearing aids. While these health issues aren’t proven to be eliminated by hearing aids, fewer health issues have been linked to their use. The study reveals that seniors who wore 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 anxiety and depression.
Avoid Making Excuses
It’s worthwhile to keep in mind that when it comes to your health, these figures may appear low but they’re still considerable. Previous studies have revealed a connection between hearing loss and other serious health issues, but this study verified it’s an ongoing, declining problem. It’s essential to remember that many people diagnosed with hearing loss don’t bother buying hearing aids. Why not? Not having the correct insurance to cover some of the expenses is a typical problem. Even among those who have insurance, the cost could be too high.
Some individuals actually go in and get fitted but when they get their hearing aid home, it seems like too much hassle to use them, so they don’t. Many individuals don’t view hearing impairment as a major issue because they can turn the volume of the TV up to solve the problem.
While it may seem like hearing loss is inevitable as you get older, there’s more to it than that, and cranking up the volume is not the right answer.
The Value of Healthy Hearing
Hearing is clearly a huge element of communication. If your failure to communicate causes you to miss a critical instruction by your physician or direction by a family member, that’s a problem. As a result, you may not be able to convey your symptoms and concerns.
There are also some less apparent problems connected with poor communication. When you strain to hear and keep up with a conversation on the phone, you may lose touch with some of the people in your support system out of frustration or embarrassment. And clearly, your chance of developing dementia is higher if your brain doesn’t receive enough stimulation which happens when you are unable to hear.
Hearing Aid Advantages
Buying a hearing aid isn’t all about severe, long-term worries. Wearing a hearing aid will immediately enhance your quality of life, as well as your long-term wellbeing. If you can hear and participate in conversations, it minimizes your chances of feeling isolated and lets you partake more fully in your social life. You will minimize your anxiety even further when you are able to precisely communicate your health concerns with your doctor and understanding his guidance for treatment.
Is it time to consider a hearing aid? The answer is yes if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Turning the volume of the TV up very high
- Constantly wanting people to repeat themselves
- Keeping away from social situations because you’re afraid you can’t follow conversations
- Background sound makes it hard to hear when somebody is speaking to you
These are only a few of the symptoms that might indicate you need to consider a hearing aid. Schedule a consultation with us to find out if a hearing aid is the right choice for you, particularly if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.