For anybody dealing with hearing impairment, the message is simple: Get a hearing aid.

Why? A recent study revealed that individuals who got hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing loss were less likely to develop depression, anxiety, dementia, and dangerous falls than people who did not 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 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 serious fall.

Stop The Excuses

If these figures seem low to you, it’s essential to remember that your health is at risk, and every little bit counts. Prior research has shown a link between hearing loss and other serious health issues, but this study verified it’s an ongoing, worsening issue. But many people who have hearing impairment don’t have it treated or ever use hearing aids. Why not? For many, the absence of insurance coverage is an issue. Even among people who have insurance, the cost could be too high.

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

While it might seem like hearing loss is inevitable as you get older, there’s more to it than that, and turning up the volume is not the right solution.

The Importance of Healthy Hearing

Hearing is obviously a large element of communication. If your failure to communicate causes you to miss an essential instruction by your doctor or guidance by a family member, that’s an issue. Consequently, communicating your symptoms and concerns will be challenging.

Other concerns linked to a lack of effective communication are less apparent. If trying to have phone conversations leaves you feeling embarrassed and frustrated, you might start to lose touch with individuals in your support system. Not being able to hear may even lead to less brain stimulus, and we all know that exercising your mind can help fend off dementia.

The Advantages of Hearing Aids

Extreme long-term concerns are not all that getting hearing aids is about. Wearing a hearing aid will immediately enhance your quality of life, in addition to your long-term outlook. You will have a more gratifying social life and feel less isolated if you can hear and take part in conversations. You will decrease your anxiety even further when you are capable of precisely communicating your health concerns with your doctor and understanding his guidance for treatment.

Is it time to look into a hearing aid? The answer is yes if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Background sound makes it difficult to hear when somebody is speaking to you
• Turning the volume of the TV way up
• Avoiding social situations for fear you can’t follow conversations
• Asking others to repeat what they said constantly

These are only some of the symptoms that may reveal you need to consider a hearing aid. Schedule a consultation with us to find out if a hearing aid is the best option for you, especially if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.