Loss of hearing can have a powerful impact on you, one that goes beyond the inability to hear things. Having trouble carrying out daily tasks, and strained relationships are some examples of the overall effect of loss of hearing.
A study conducted by AARP found that quality of life is more seriously impacted by hearing loss than:
- Obesity
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Cancer
The loss of hearing, when neglected, can really get in the way of your lifestyle, yet there are many people who don’t get help. Researchers have found that a lot of people going through hearing loss are still worried about a perceived stigma attached to it. If others find out they have hearing loss, people fear they will be treated differently. This perception can change how they view themselves whether they are 8 or 80.
It’s Not Just You
Nowadays, people live longer, that means there are more individuals out there with hearing loss, as well, even though it doesn’t just affect older people. 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 public perception that comes with it. In fact, hearing loss is one of the most widespread health issues adults deal with. The resistance to getting help persists even while the number of people with hearing loss increases. What is the effect on general health?
What is The Perception of Hearing Loss?
A brand that labels a person as inferior is how people with hearing loss feel and that is the actual definition of stigma. A lot of people with hearing loss are concerned they will come across as older than they actually are, less healthy, or less able.
Historically, there is some foundation for this concern. A 2010 study found people were not as well accepted when they had hearing loss. But the data from this research is nearly 10 years old. As hearing loss is becoming more widespread, this perception is improving. Hearing loss technology is becoming Stylish, fun, and cutting edge. Even celebrities are visibly wearing hearing aids. Research demonstrates that some other age related health issues, such as dementia, may be slowed or even prevented by getting treatment. This is changing peoples mind about hearing loss and also their hearts. Despite this, some people still don’t get the treatment they need.
Why Does It Matter?
There are health repercussions for not getting treatment, so don’t permit your fear of negative perception keep you from getting help. People get colonoscopies, according to an AARP survey, more often than they get hearing tests. Not getting a hearing test because you won’t acknowledge your hearing loss will impact your health as you get older.
Untreated Hearing Loss, What Are The Consequences?
Your overall health will be affected by these physical consequences;
Fatigue
Fighting to hear makes just about everything in life more difficult. It’s difficult to try and hear conversations and common sounds. Because you can’t hear oncoming traffic or a person coming up behind you, you have to put more work into keeping safe also. You can become chronically fatigued just by trying to hear everyday sounds.
Common Headaches and Migraines
Headaches and even migraines can be induced by stress 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 make up for the sounds 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 problems as a result of your untreated loss of hearing like depression and social anxiety. Loss of hearing can increase social isolation and has even been connected to dementia. These issues, in turn, often produce physical symptoms such as reduced energy levels or moodiness.
Surmounting Negative Perceptions of Hearing Loss
Taking the first step and seek out help if you want to conquer these negative perceptions. Hearing loss is treatable. Understand that you are the one that suffers if you don’t get that treatment.
Not all loss of hearing is permanent, either, so you could be stressing out for no reason. Simple earwax buildup can lead to hearing loss, but you won’t know for certain unless you make an appointment to have a hearing test.
If it turns out you do have hearing loss, do something about it. There are many style options now. There are devices that are less noticeable if your worried about people learning you have hearing loss.
Most significantly, show everyone that you have plenty of confidence despite your hearing loss. 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 changed if you act in this way. Raise awareness and keep healthy by not giving in to negative perceptions.
Hearing loss is a medical condition, not a problem. Make an appointment to have a hearing test today.