Loss of hearing can have a significant impact on you, one that goes beyond the inability to hear things. Having trouble performing daily activities, and strained relationships are some examples of the general effect of hearing loss.
A survey carried out by AARP found that untreated hearing loss had a greater effect on quality of life than:
- Stroke
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Cancer
The loss of hearing, when left untreated, can definitely get in the way of your lifestyle, yet there are many who don’t get help. Lots of people with hearing loss shun getting help because they think that there is a stigma associated with hearing loss, according to researchers. Being treated differently is one reason people with hearing loss are afraid to tell anyone they can’t hear very well. This perception can change how they view themselves whether they are young or old.
Many Other People Also Have Hearing Loss
Although it can impact people of all ages, it is true that as lifespans grow longer there are more instances of hearing loss. The World Health Organization reports that there are more than 1.1 billion people, many of them young adults, at risk of hearing loss and the public perception that comes with it. In fact, hearing loss is one of the most widespread health issues adults face. The resistance to getting help persists while the amount of people with hearing loss grows. How does this impact one’s general health?
How Is Hearing Loss Perceived?
By definition, stigma is a brand that marks somebody as inferior and that pretty much tells the story. Many people who suffer from hearing loss are concerned they will seem older than they are, less healthy, or less capable.
Historically, there is some basis for this worry. A 2010 study found people were not as well accepted when they had hearing loss. But that research uses data almost a decade old. This perception is improving as hearing loss becomes more commonplace. Sophisticated, stylish, and fun technology is now available that even has celebrities publicly wearing hearing aids. Research demonstrates that some other age related health problems, such as dementia, could be slowed or even prevented by seeking treatment. This is changing peoples mind about hearing loss and also their hearts. Some people still won’t seek help despite this research.
Why Does It Matter?
It is easy to say that perception doesn’t matter, but if this fear is keeping you from getting help, recognize that there are health consequences for not getting treatment. An AARP survey revealed that more people agree to get colonoscopies than they do hearing tests. Not recognizing your hearing loss, not getting a hearing test and seeking treatment will take a physical toll, particularly over time.
Untreated Hearing Loss, What Are The Consequences?
Not dealing with your hearing loss can have the following health repercussions;
Fatigue
Finding it difficult to hear makes pretty much everything in life harder. It’s difficult to try to hear conversations and common sounds. You also have to be more careful to protect your safety because you can’t hear alert sounds or vehicles coming. All the additional effort you put into everyday tasks will lead to chronic fatigue.
Migraines
Headaches and even migraines can be induced by anxiety and tension. Studies have shown a link, though you might not have realized there was a connection, between certain forms of hearing loss and migraines. Your brain needs to compensate for the sounds you can’t hear, so even if you’re not prone to migraines, the constant effort can give you a headache.
Mental Health
Anxiety and depression are some mental health concerns you could also end up facing as a consequence of untreated loss of hearing. Hearing loss can lead to dementia and usually causes social isolation. You will have less energy and will be moodier if you have these other challenges.
The Negative Perception of Hearing Loss Can be Surmounted
Overcoming these negative perceptions begins with seeking out help. If you are losing your hearing, it’s probably a treatable condition. Your only causing your own suffering by not getting help.
You also could be stressing out for no reason because not all hearing loss is permanent. Something as basic as earwax buildup may be the reason, but you won’t know that unless you schedule an appointment to get a hearing test.
If it turns out you do have hearing loss, you need to deal with it. Hearing aids come in all shapes and sizes nowadays. There are hearing aids that are less obvious if your worried about people learning you have hearing loss.
Finally, prove them wrong. You should wear your hearing aids with confidence because when you can hear, you will be just as active and healthy as anyone else. The perception of people who have hearing loss will be changed if you act like this. Raise awareness and stay healthy by not surrendering to negative perceptions.
Hearing loss is a medical condition, not a problem. Make an appointment to have a hearing test today.