For anyone suffering from hearing loss, the message is straightforward: 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 hazardous falls than people who did not receive hearing aids. While these health issues aren’t proven to be prevented by hearing aids, fewer health issues have been connected to their use. The study reveals that seniors who use 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 depression and anxiety.

Avoid Making Excuses

If these numbers seem low to you, it’s essential to remember that your health is at risk, and every little bit counts. Previous research has shown a link between hearing loss and other significant health issues, but this study proved it’s an ongoing, declining issue. It’s significant to remember that many people diagnosed with hearing loss don’t bother getting hearing aids. Why not? Not having the correct insurance to cover some of the costs is a typical problem. Even among those who have insurance, the expense may seem too high.

Others go through the motions, getting fitted for hearing aids and bringing them home only to let them sit in the case because wearing them seems like too much of an inconvenience. Many individuals don’t view hearing impairment as an important issue because they can turn up the TV volume 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 the volume up is not the correct solution.

The Value of Healthy Hearing

Clearly, a major element of communication is the ability to hear. If your inability to communicate causes you to miss an essential instruction by your physician or direction by a family member, that’s a problem. As a result, you might not be able to convey your symptoms and concerns.

There are also some less obvious problems associated with inadequate communication. If attempting to have a conversation on the phone leaves you feeling frustrated and embarrassed, you may begin to lose touch with people in your support system. And clearly, your chance of developing dementia is higher if your brain doesn’t get enough stimulus which happens when you can’t hear.

Hearing Aid Benefits

Getting a hearing aid isn’t only about serious, long-term worries. Your long term outlook will certainly improve but hearing aids will instantly enhance your quality of life. If you can hear and participate in conversations, it reduces your chances of feeling isolated and lets you partake more completely in your social life. When you can communicate intelligibly with your doctor, you can accurately share the health issues you are experiencing and understand your doctor’s treatment plan to decrease your anxiety further.

Is it time to consider a hearing aid? If you are dealing with any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:

• Background sound makes it difficult to hear when somebody is talking to you
• Turning the volume of the TV up very high
• Constantly wanting people to repeat what they said
• Keeping away from social interaction for fear you can’t follow conversations

These and perhaps other symptoms could be an indication that it’s time to consider getting a hearing aid. If any of them sound familiar, ask us if a hearing aid may be right for you.