Loss of hearing can have a powerful effect on you, one that is about a lot more than the inability to hear things. Having difficulty executing daily tasks, and strained relationships are some examples of the overall effect of loss of hearing.
A study conducted by AARP found that neglected hearing loss had a more significant effect on quality of life than:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Cancer
- Stroke
Hearing loss, when not treated, can really have a negative effect on 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 anxious about a perceived stigma attached to it. Being treated differently is one reason people who suffer from hearing loss are worried to let anyone know they can’t hear that well. It doesn’t matter how old they are, this perception can change the way they see themselves.
It’s Not Only You
As lifespans get longer, hearing loss has become more prevalent, despite the fact that it can effect people of any age, The World Health Organization reports that over 1.1 billion people are in danger of hearing loss and the perceived perceptions that come along with it, many of them young adults. One of the most common health problems facing young adults is, actually, hearing loss. Even as the number of people who suffer from hearing loss keeps increasing, the resistance to getting assistance for hearing loss appears to persist. How does this affect one’s general health?
What is The Perception of Hearing Loss?
The story is pretty well illustrated by the very definition of stigma, which is a brand that labels a person as inferior. Many people with hearing loss are worried they will seem older than they are, less healthy, or less capable.
Historically, there is some basis for this worry. A 2010 study found people were not as well accepted when they had hearing loss. But that study uses data almost 10 years old. This perception is improving as hearing loss is becoming more prevalent. Hearing loss technology is becoming Stylish, fun, and cutting edge. Even celebrities are openly wearing hearing aids. Other health concerns relating to aging, such as cognitive decline and dementia may be delayed or even prevented by getting treatment, according to research. This is also helping to change the perception. But still, despite changing perceptions, some people still are reluctant to get treatment.
What Difference Does it Make?
It is simple to say that perception doesn’t matter, but if this worry is stopping you from seeking help, understand that there are health consequences for not getting treatment. People get colonoscopies, according to an AARP survey, more often than they get hearing tests. Not recognizing your hearing loss, not getting a hearing examination and seeking treatment will take a physical toll, especially over time.
Consequences of Undiagnosed or Untreated Hearing Loss
These bodily consequences of not dealing with your hearing loss will affect your general health;
Fatigue
Everything in life is more challenging if you are struggling to hear. It’s difficult to try to hear conversations and everyday sounds. You also need to be more careful to protect your safety because you can’t hear alert sounds or vehicles coming. Just working hard to hear common sounds can lead to chronic fatigue.
Common Headaches and Migraines
Tension and anxiety can cause migraines and other types of headaches. You might not realize there is a connection, but studies have demonstrated a link between migraines and certain kinds of hearing loss. Even if you’re not prone to migraines, your brain has to make up for the sounds you can’t hear, and that effort can make your head hurt.
Mental Health
Anxiety and depression are some mental health issues you could also face as a result of untreated loss of hearing. Social isolation is increased by hearing loss and it can also lead to dementia. You will have less energy and will be moodier if you have these other issues.
Overcoming Negative Perceptions of Hearing Loss
Getting help is the step one to surmounting these negative perceptions. Hearing loss is a treatable condition. If you decide not to get treatment, you should recognize that you are the one who suffers.
Not all loss of hearing is permanent, either, so you could be stressing for no reason. Simple earwax buildup can cause hearing loss, but you can’t be certain unless you schedule an appointment to have a hearing test.
Make sure you do something about it if it turns out that you do have hearing loss. You can get hearing aids in all shapes and sizes nowadays. You can get devices that are less obvious if your worried about people learning you have hearing loss.
You can prove everyone wrong if you deal with your hearing loss in a confident way. You can be just as active and healthy as anyone, so wear your hearing aids with self-confidence. The perception of people who have hearing loss will be improved if you act like this. Negative perceptions are social poisons so stay strong and raise awareness to change them.
Hearing loss is a medical condition, not a problem. So see a hearing professional for a hearing exam right away.