Couple in denial about their hearing loss laugh over misunderstanding.

Loss of hearing – it’s normally thought os as a given as we get older. Many older Americans suffer from some form of hearing loss or tinnitus, which is a persistent ringing in the ears. But if it’s such an accepted condition, why is it that so many people deny that they suffer from hearing loss?

A new study from Canada reveals that loss of hearing is experienced by more than half of Canadians, but no concerns were reported at all by more than 77% percent of those. Some type of hearing loss is impacting over 48 million Americans and untreated. It’s debatable whether this denial is deliberate or not, but either way, loss of hearing is neglected by a significant number of people – which, down the road, could bring about considerable issues.

Why do Some Individuals Not Recognize They Suffer From Hearing Loss?

That matter is a complicated one. It’s a gradual process when a person loses their hearing, and trouble comprehending people and hearing things go undetected. Or, more frequently, they could blame it on something else – they think everyone is mumbling, volumes aren’t turned up loud enough, or background noise is too high. hearing loss can be blamed, unfortunately, on a number of things, and getting a hearing test or getting checked out, normally, is not a person’s first instinct.

On the other hand, there might be some people who know they have hearing loss but won’t admit it. Another study conducted in the United States shows that lots of seniors flat out deny that they are suffering from a hearing problem. They do what they can to mask their issue, either because they don’t want to admit to having an issue or because of perceived stigmas attached to hearing loss.

The difficulty is, you might be negatively influencing your general health by neglecting your hearing loss.

There Can be Extreme Repercussions From Neglected Hearing Loss

Loss of hearing does not just impact your ears – high blood pressure and heart disease have also been connected to hearing loss along with anxiety, depression, and mental decline.

Research has shown that people suffering from hearing loss generally have shorter life expectancy rates and their general health is not as strong as others who have dealt with their hearing loss with hearing aids, dietary changes, or cognitive behavioral therapy.

It’s crucial to recognize the signs of hearing loss – problems carrying on conversations, turning up the volume on the radio or TV, or a lingering humming or ringing in your ears.

How Can You Manage Hearing Loss?

There are a number of treatments you can undertake to get your hearing loss under control. Hearing aids are the form of treatment that is the most prevalent, and you won’t have the same types of issues that your parents or grandparents did because hearing aid technology has progressed considerably. Hearing aids now have the ability to filter out background noise and wind, while also connecting wirelessly to devices like your radio, TV, or tablet.

A changes in the foods you eat could affect your hearing health if you have anemia. Since anemia iron deficiency has been shown to cause hearing loss, people who suffer from tinnitus can be helped by consuming foods that are rich in iron.

Getting your hearing examined regularly, however, is the most significant thing you can do.

Are you worried you might have hearing troubles? Come in and get screened.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.