Your overall life can be seriously affected by hearing loss, in a way that goes beyond the inability to hear. Losing your hearing will get in the way of everyday pursuits and can stress relationships.
A study carried out by AARP found that quality of life is more seriously impacted by hearing loss than:
- Obesity
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Diabetes
Even though it gets in the way of their lifestyle, many people who have hearing loss don’t seek treatment. A perceived stigma associated with loss of hearing is one reason why people with hearing loss don’t get the treatment they need, say researchers. If others find out they suffer from hearing loss, people are afraid they will be treated differently. This perception can distort how they view themselves whether they are 8 or 80.
Your Not The Only One
As lifespans grow longer, hearing loss has become more prevalent, in spite of the fact that it can impact people of every age, The World Health Organization reports that over 1.1 billion people are in danger of hearing loss and the perceived perceptions that come with it, many of them young adults. In fact, hearing loss is one of the most common health issues adults face. The reluctance to get help persists while the amount of people with hearing loss increases. How does this affect one’s overall health?
How Is Hearing Loss Viewed?
The story is pretty much illustrated by the actual definition of stigma, which is a brand that labels a person as inferior. Feeling older, less healthy, and less capable are concerns that many with hearing loss have.
Historically, there is some foundation for this worry. A 2010 study found when people suffer from hearing loss they were not as well accepted. But that research uses data almost a decade old. As hearing loss is becoming more common, this perception is changing. Cutting edge, stylish, and fun technology is now available that even has celebrities publicly wearing hearing aids. Research shows that some other age related health issues, such as dementia, could be slowed or even prevented by seeking treatment. This is changing peoples mind about hearing loss and also their hearts. Despite this, some people still don’t get the help they need.
What Difference Does it Make?
It is simple to say that perception doesn’t matter, but if this worry is stopping you from getting help, recognize that there are health consequences for not getting treatment. People get colonoscopies, according to an AARP study, more often than they get hearing tests. Not having a hearing test because you won’t recognize your hearing loss will impact your health as you get older.
Consequences of Undiagnosed or Untreated Hearing Loss
Your general health will be impacted by these physical consequences;
Fatigue
Everything in life is more laborious if you are working hard to hear. You have to work harder than others to hear conversations and sounds. You put more effort into keeping safe, as well, because you can’t hear that car or truck coming or someone walking up from behind you. All the additional effort you put into day-to-day tasks will lead to chronic fatigue.
Migraines
Stress and anxiety can lead to migraines and other kinds of headaches. You might not recognize there is a connection, but studies have revealed a link between migraines and certain kinds of hearing loss. Even if you don’t normally get migraines, your brain has to compensate for the sounds you can’t hear, and that effort can make your head hurt.
Mental Health
You could also be facing mental health issues as a result of your untreated hearing loss such as depression and social anxiety. Hearing loss can lead to dementia and frequently causes social isolation. These challenges, in turn, often come with physical symptoms including reduced energy levels or moodiness.
It is Possible to Overcome The Negative Perception of Hearing Loss
Getting help is the first step to overcoming these negative perceptions. Hearing loss is a treatable condition. Your only causing your own suffering by not seeking help.
You also may be stressing out over nothing because not all hearing loss is permanent. You can’t be sure what the problem is unless you make an appointment to get a hearing exam. It could be simple earwax buildup.
If it turns out you do have hearing loss, do something about it. Hearing aids come in all shapes and sizes these days. More inconspicuous styles are available if you feel concerned about people finding out you have hearing loss.
You can prove everyone wrong if you deal with your hearing loss in the right way. You can be just as active and healthy as everyone else, so wear your hearing aids with self-confidence. Everyone who suffers from hearing loss will also be helped by your actions. Boost awareness and stay healthy by not surrendering to negative perceptions.
Hearing loss is not a personal weakness it’s a medical condition. Get your hearing tested today.