Inability to hear is not the only effect of hearing loss, it can also have a profound impact on your life. The loss of your hearing will get in the way of everyday tasks and can stress relationships.
A study carried out by AARP found that quality of life is more seriously impacted by hearing loss than:
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Obesity
Hearing loss, when not treated, can really get in the way of your lifestyle, nevertheless, there are many people who don’t get help. Researchers have found that many people experiencing hearing loss are still concerned about a perceived stigma attached to it. People are scared they will be treated differently if people find out they suffer from hearing loss. A distorted self image can be the result of this perception, affecting the young and the old.
Many Others Also Have Hearing Loss
As lifespans get longer, hearing loss has become more prevalent, in spite of the fact that it can impact people of all ages, The World Health Organization reports that there are more than 1.1 billion people, many of them young adults, in danger of hearing loss and the perceived perception that comes with it. In fact, hearing loss is one of the most widespread health issues adults deal with. Even as the amount of people with hearing loss continues to grow, the resistance to seeking treatment for hearing loss seems to persist. What is the effect on general health?
What is The Perception of Hearing Loss?
A brand that marks a person as inferior is how people with hearing loss feel and that is the actual meaning of stigma. 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 revealed people were not as well accepted when they had hearing loss. But that study is based on data nearly 10 years old. As hearing loss is becoming more common, this perception is changing. Celebrities openly wear hearing aids and the devices are becoming more sophisticated, stylish, and fun. Research shows that some other age related health issues, such as dementia, may be slowed or even prevented by seeking treatment. This is changing peoples mind about hearing loss and also their hearts. Despite this, many people still don’t get the treatment they need.
Does it Even Matter?
There are health repercussions for not seeking treatment, so don’t permit your concern about negative perception keep you from seeking help. An AARP survey revealed that more people consent to getting colonoscopies than they do hearing tests. Not recognizing your hearing loss, not getting a hearing test and seeking treatment will take a physical toll, this is especially true over time.
Untreated Hearing Loss, What Are The Consequences?
Not dealing with your hearing loss can have the following health consequences;
Fatigue
Fighting to hear makes pretty much everything in life more difficult. It’s challenging to try and hear conversations and common sounds. Because you can’t hear oncoming traffic or a person walking up behind you, you have to put more energy into staying safe too. Just working hard to hear everyday sounds can cause chronic fatigue.
Common Headaches and Migraines
Tension and fear can trigger migraines and other types of headaches. You might not recognize there is a correlation, but studies have shown a link between migraines and some types of hearing loss. Your brain needs to compensate for what you can’t hear, so even if you’re not prone to migraines, the constant effort can make your headache.
Mental Health
You could possibly also be facing mental health issues as a result of your untreated hearing loss like depression and social anxiety. Social isolation is worse when you have hearing loss and it can also lead to dementia. These issues, in turn, often come with physical symptoms including reduced energy levels or moodiness.
The Negative Perception of Hearing Loss Can be Overcome
Seeking help is the step one to overcoming these negative perceptions. Hearing loss is a treatable condition. If you make the decision not to get treatment, you should understand that you are the one who suffers.
There might not even be a reason to stress out because not all hearing loss is permanent. common earwax buildup can lead to hearing loss, but you won’t know for certain unless you schedule an appointment to have your hearing checked.
If it turns out you do have hearing loss, do something about it. Hearing aids come in many style options now. More inconspicuous styles are available if you feel concerned about people knowing you have hearing loss.
You can prove everyone wrong if you handle your hearing loss in a confident way. You can be just as active and healthy as anyone, so wear your hearing aids with confidence. The perception of people who have hearing loss will be improved if you act in this way. Boost awareness and stay healthy by not surrendering to negative perceptions.
Hearing loss is a medical condition, not a problem. Get your hearing tested today.