For anyone dealing with hearing loss, the message is straightforward: Get a hearing aid.

Why? A recent study found that people were not as likely to develop health problems like anxiety, dementia, depression, and dangerous falls if they started wearing 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 linked to their use. Results from the study showed 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 serious fall.

Stop The Excuses

If these figures seem low to you, it’s significant to remember that your health is at risk, and every little bit counts. Prior studies have revealed a correlation between hearing loss and other serious health issues, but this study proved it’s an ongoing, declining problem. It’s important to remember that many people diagnosed with hearing loss don’t bother buying hearing aids. Why not? For many, the lack of insurance coverage is an issue. Even among those who have insurance, the cost might seem too high.

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 impairment as an important issue because they can turn the volume of the TV up to solve the problem.

While it may seem like hearing loss is inescapable as you age, there’s more to it than that, and turning up the volume is not the correct solution.

Healthy Hearing is Important

Clearly, a primary aspect of communication is the ability to hear. 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. Consequently, communicating your symptoms and concerns will be difficult.

There are also some less apparent issues related to inadequate communication. If attempting to have phone conversations leaves you feeling embarrassed and frustrated, you may start to lose touch with individuals in your support system. And obviously, your likelihood of developing dementia is higher if your brain doesn’t get enough stimulation which occurs when you can’t hear.

Hearing Aid Advantages

Getting a hearing aid isn’t all about extreme, long-term worries. Your long term wellbeing will certainly improve but hearing aids will immediately enhance your quality of life. You will have a more fulfilling social life and feel less isolated if you can hear and participate in conversations. You will reduce your anxiety even further when you are capable of precisely communicating your health issues with your physician and comprehending his guidance for treatment.

Should I get hearing aids? If you are dealing with any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:

• Watching TV at very loud volume
• Being so intimidated that you won’t be able to follow conversations, you avoid social interaction
• Trouble hearing the person you’re speaking to if there is background sound
• Frequently wanting people to repeat themselves

These and potentially other symptoms could be a signal that it’s time to think about getting a hearing aid. Come see us to find out if a hearing aid is the best option for you, especially if any of these symptoms sound familiar.