For anyone dealing with hearing impairment, the message is straightforward: Get a hearing aid.
Why? A recent study revealed that individuals 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 problems aren’t proven to be prevented by hearing aids, fewer health issues have been linked to their use. Results from the study demonstrated 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.
Stop The Excuses
It’s important to consider that regarding your health, these figures may appear low but they’re still considerable. Prior studies have shown a link between hearing loss and other significant health problems, but this study verified it’s an ongoing, worsening problem. It’s important to note that many people diagnosed with hearing loss don’t bother getting hearing aids. Why not? Not having the appropriate insurance to cover some of the expenses is a common issue. Even among those with insurance, the cost might be too high.
Others go through the motions, getting fitted for hearing aids and taking them home only to leave them in the case because wearing them feels like too much of an inconvenience. Most people simply turn up the volume to solve the dilemma and don’t consider hearing loss as much of an issue.
Higher volume on the TV won’t solve the problem, though, and while hearing loss may seem to be an inescapable part of getting older, there is a lot more to it.
Healthy Hearing is Vital
Clearly, a principal element of communication is the ability to hear. Without the ability to communicate precisely, you might not understand questions asked by your doctors or family. As a result, you may not be capable of conveying your concerns and symptoms.
There are also some less obvious issues related to inadequate communication. If trying to have phone conversations leaves you feeling embarrassed and frustrated, you might begin to lose touch with individuals in your support system. Not being able to hear may even lead to less brain stimulation, and we all know that exercising your mind can help combat dementia.
Hearing Aid Benefits
Buying a hearing aid isn’t all about serious, long-term concerns. Wearing a hearing aid will immediately enhance your quality of life, as well as your long-term outlook. If you can hear and engage in conversations, it minimizes your chances of feeling isolated and allows you to partake more fully in your social life. You will decrease your anxiety even further when you are capable of accurately communicating your health issues with your doctor and comprehending his advice for treatment.
Is it time to look into a hearing aid? The answer is yes if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Keeping away from social interaction for fear you can’t follow conversations
- Asking others to repeat themselves frequently
- Turning the volume of the TV way up
- Background sound makes it difficult to hear when someone is talking to you
These are only a few of the symptoms that could reveal you need to consider a hearing aid. Schedule a consultation with us to determine if a hearing aid is the right option for you, especially if any of these symptoms sound familiar.