Inability to hear is not the only effect of hearing loss, it can also have a profound impact on your life. Relationships can be strained and daily activities can be disrupted by hearing loss.
A survey conducted by AARP found that untreated hearing loss had a greater effect on quality of life than:
- Cancer
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Obesity
There are a lot of people who don’t seek help with their hearing loss despite the fact that it negatively impacts their lifestyle. Many people who have loss of hearing shun getting help because they believe that there is a stigma attached to hearing loss, according to researchers. If others find out they have hearing loss, people are scared they will be treated differently. It doesn’t make a difference how old they are, this perception can distort the way they see themselves.
Many Other People Also Have Hearing Loss
As lifespans grow longer, hearing loss has become more commonplace, in spite of the fact that it can affect people of any age, 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. As a matter of fact, hearing loss is one of the most common health issues adults deal with. Even as the number of people who suffer from hearing loss continues to grow, the resistance to getting assistance for hearing loss appears to persist. How is one’s overall health impacted?
How Is Hearing Loss Perceived?
By definition, stigma means a brand that marks somebody as inferior and that basically tells the story. Feeling older, less healthy, and less able are worries that many with hearing loss have.
Historically, there is some foundation for this concern. A 2010 study found people were not as well accepted when they had hearing loss. But that study is based on data almost 10 years old. As hearing loss is becoming more common, this perception is changing. Celebrities visibly wear hearing aids and the technology is becoming more sophisticated, stylish, and fun. Also helping to change hearts and minds, research reveals that getting treatment might delay or prevent other health issues connected to aging like cognitive decline and dementia. In spite of this, many people still don’t get the treatment they really need.
Why Does It Matter?
Don’t let your fear of negative perception stop you from getting treatment or you might suffer long-term health consequences. An AARP survey found that more people consent to getting colonoscopies than hearing tests. Not getting a hearing test because you won’t acknowledge your hearing loss will affect your health as you get older.
Consequences of Undiagnosed or Untreated Hearing Loss
Not taking care of your hearing loss can have the following health consequences;
Fatigue
In life, everything is more challenging if you are struggling to hear. It’s difficult to try and hear conversations and common sounds. You also need to be more careful to protect your safety because you can’t hear warning sounds or cars approaching. All the additional effort you put into everyday tasks can lead to chronic fatigue.
Common Headaches and Migraines
Tension and anxiety can lead to migraines and other types of headaches. Studies have shown a link, though you might not have recognized there was a connection, between some forms of hearing loss and migraines. Even if you’re not prone to migraines, your brain has to make up for what you can’t hear, and that constant struggle can cause your head to hurt.
Mental Health
You could also be facing mental health concerns as a consequence of your untreated hearing loss such as depression and social anxiety. Hearing loss can lead to dementia and often causes social isolation. These troubles, in turn, often produce physical symptoms including reduced energy levels or moodiness.
It is Possible to Overcome The Negative Perception of Hearing Loss
Taking the first step and seek out help if you want to overcome these negative perceptions. If you are losing your hearing, it is treatable. Accept that you are the one that suffers if you won’t get help.
Not all hearing loss is permanent, either, so you could be stressing over nothing. You can’t be sure what the issue is unless you make an appointment to get a hearing exam. It could be simple earwax buildup.
Knowing you have hearing loss is not enough, you need to take action. Hearing aids come in many style options now. More inconspicuous styles are available if you feel worried about people finding out you have hearing loss.
Above all, prove them wrong. Wear your hearing aids and let everyone know you are just as active, happy, and involved as anyone. Everyone who has hearing loss will also be benefited by your actions. Increase awareness and stay healthy by not giving in to negative perceptions.
Hearing loss is not a personal weakness it’s a medical condition. Make an appointment to have a hearing test today.