I'm thinking about getting hearing aids.

I'm only 59 years old and don't feel like I have a hearing problem at all, but a few years ago I went to an ENT and he did a hearing test on me and said I needed hearing aids! I laughed it off of course, but recently I have noticed that my balance has gotten worse and I always have to grab onto things to keep from falling. And I have been getting vertigo a lot too. I know those things are inner ear related. Well a customer came in my work and was telling me that he just got hearing aids and how mid doctor told him that if you have ANY kind of hearing problem, it dramatically increases your risk for Alzheimer's!!! I didn't believe him, but after googling it, I found out that is true! That wearing a hearing aid like in your 40's or 50's or if you have any hearing issues from loud music, or whatever reduces your risk of getting dementia by almost 50%!! The thought of Alzheimer's is one of my biggest fears, especially since I am alone. So I want to do anything I can to prevent getting it. So I think I might get hearing aids. But I don't want to get the kind from the doctor that cost over $5,000- I want to get the kind that you can order online and can finance. Does anyone else here have that kind that they could recommend?

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samueltyler2 · 80-89, M

The only problem.is the expense. The more you put it off, the worse your hearng may get, yes, and it is related to dementia.

Mardrae · 61-69, F

@samueltyler2 that's so scary! Do you wear one? See, I don't feel like I have a problem hearing at all, but that hearing test I took years ago said my hearing was pretty bad. It surprised me at the time because I had to put on these earphones and raise my hand when I heard a noise and I heard a lot and was expecting my results to be good so I was surprised when the doctor told me I needed a hearing aid. I was about 54 at the time and no way was I going to get one, especially when he told me how much they were.

samueltyler2 · 80-89, M

@Mardrae i have as told that I have the typical hearing loss of the elderly, but not enough for aids. I probably need retesting. I look.around at my fellow band members s I am.amongbtyenfewbwithoutbaids. I wear protective plugs instead.