For anyone suffering from hearing impairment, the message is straightforward: 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 did not get hearing aids. While this doesn’t prove hearing aids stop these health issues, their use is associated with fewer health issues. 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.
Refrain From Making Excuses
It’s worthwhile to consider that when it comes to your health, these figures might appear low but they’re still considerable. Prior studies have demonstrated a connection between hearing loss and other serious health issues, but this study verified it’s an ongoing, declining issue. But many people who have hearing impairment don’t address it or ever use hearing aids. Why not? For many, the absence of insurance coverage is an issue. And the expense might still be too high even with insurance.
Some individuals actually go in and get fitted but when they bring their hearing aid home, it seems 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 the volume of the TV up to solve the problem.
While it may seem like hearing loss is unavoidable as you age, there’s more to it than that, and turning up the volume is not the best answer.
The Value of Healthy Hearing
Obviously, a principal element of communication is the ability to hear. Without the ability to communicate precisely, you may not comprehend questions posed by your physicians or family members. Consequently, communicating your symptoms and concerns will be a challenge.
Other issues related to a lack of reliable communication are less apparent. 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 embarrassment and frustration. And obviously, your chance of developing dementia is higher if your brain doesn’t get enough stimulation which happens when you can’t hear.
Hearing Aid Advantages
Buying a hearing aid isn’t only about severe, long-term worries. Wearing a hearing aid will instantly improve your quality of life, in addition to your long-term wellbeing. 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 minimize your anxiety even further when you are able to precisely communicate your health issues with your doctor and understanding his guidance for treatment.
Should I get hearing aids? The answer is yes if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Being so intimidated that you won’t be able to follow conversations, you avoid social situations
- Background sound makes it tough to hear when someone is talking to you
- Watching TV at very loud volume
- Frequently needing people to repeat themselves
These are only some of the symptoms that could signify you should look into a hearing aid. Schedule a consultation with us to find out if a hearing aid is the best choice for you, particularly if any of these symptoms sound familiar.