Your overall life can be seriously affected by hearing loss, in a way that goes beyond the inability to hear. Losing your hearing can easily get in the way of daily activities and can strain relationships.
A study carried out by AARP found that neglected hearing loss had a more significant impact on quality of life than:
- Obesity
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Diabetes
The loss of hearing, when not treated, can definitely get in the way of your lifestyle, nevertheless, there are many people who don’t get help. A lot of people who have loss of hearing avoid getting help because they believe that there is a stigma attached to hearing loss, according to researchers. People are afraid they will be treated differently if others find out they are dealing with hearing loss. An altered self image can be formed as a result of this perception, affecting the young and the old.
It’s Not Just You
Though it can affect people of any age, it is true that as lifespans grow longer there are more instances of hearing loss. The World Health Organization reports that over 1.1 billion people are at risk of hearing loss and the perceptions that come along with it, many of them young adults. As a matter of fact, hearing loss is one of the most widespread health issues adults deal with. The resistance to getting help persists even as the number of people with hearing loss grows. How does this affect one’s general health?
What is The Perception of Hearing Loss?
The story is pretty well demonstrated by the very definition of stigma, which is a brand that labels a person as inferior. The worry for a lot of people who suffer from hearing loss is that they will seem less capable, older, and perhaps less healthy.
Historically, there is some foundation for this concern. A 2010 study found when people have hearing loss they were not as well accepted. But that study is based on data almost 10 years old. This perception is improving as hearing loss is becoming more commonplace. Hearing loss technology is becoming Stylish, fun, and sophisticated. Even celebrities are visibly wearing hearing aids. Other health problems related to aging, such as cognitive decline and dementia could be delayed or even prevented by getting treatment, according to research. This is also helping to change the perception. And still, in spite of changing perceptions, many people still hesitate to get help.
Why Does It Matter?
Don’t permit your anxiety about negative perception keep you from getting treatment or you might suffer long-term health consequences. People get colonoscopies, according to an AARP study, more often than they get hearing tests. Not acknowledging your hearing loss, not getting a hearing examination 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 repercussions;
Fatigue
Fighting to hear makes just about everything in life more difficult. It’s difficult to try to hear conversations and everyday sounds. You also have to be extra careful to protect your safety because you can’t hear alert sounds or vehicles coming. All the additional work you put into everyday tasks can lead to chronic fatigue.
Migraines
Headaches and even migraines can be induced by anxiety and tension. Studies have shown a link, though you may not have realized there was a connection, between certain forms of hearing loss and migraines. The constant extra effort by your brain to make up for sounds you can’t hear can cause your head to hurt even if you’re not prone to migraines.
Mental Health
Anxiety and depression are some mental health concerns you could possibly also end up facing as a consequence of untreated loss of hearing. Loss of hearing can increase social isolation and has even been linked to dementia. Moodiness and reduced energy levels go along with these other issues.
It is Possible to Surmount The Negative Perception of Hearing Loss
Overcoming these negative perceptions starts with seeking out help. Hearing loss is treatable. Accept that you are the one that suffers if you won’t get help.
You also may be stressing for no reason because not all hearing loss is permanent. You can’t be sure what the problem is unless you schedule an appointment to get a hearing exam. It could be as simple as earwax buildup.
If it turns out you do have hearing loss, do something about it. Hearing aids come in many style options now. There are hearing aids that are less obvious if your nervous about people learning you have hearing loss.
Above all, prove them wrong. You can wear your hearing aids with confidence because when you can hear, you will be just as active and healthy as anyone else. Everyone who experiences hearing loss will also be helped by your actions. Increase awareness and keep healthy by not surrendering to negative perceptions.
You don’t have to be less capable if you have hearing loss, because it’s actually a medical condition. Get your hearing tested today.
