Loss of hearing – it’s usually perceived as a given as we get older. Lots of older Americans have some form of hearing loss or tinnitus, which is a persistent ringing in the ears. But if it’s such an accepted condition, why do so many people won’t admit that they have hearing loss?
A new study from Canada posits that more than 50 percent of all Canadians middle-aged and older cope with some kind of hearing loss, but no issues were reported at all by more than 77% percent of those. In the US, more than 48 million people have some type of hearing loss, but many do not attempt to do anything about it. It’s debatable whether this denial is on purpose or not, but in either case, loss of hearing is ignored by a considerable number of individuals – which, in the future, could result in considerable issues.
Why do Some People Not Recognize They Have Hearing Loss?
That matter is a tricky one. It’s a gradual process when someone loses their hearing, and some people might not even recognize that they are having a harder time hearing things or understanding people than they once did. Many times they blame everyone else around them – they believe everyone is mumbling, volumes aren’t turned up loud enough, or there’s too much background interference. There are, unfortunately, a number of things that hearing loss can be blamed on, and having a hearing examination or getting checked out, normally, is not a person’s first instinct.
On the other hand, there may be some people who know they’re suffering from hearing loss but won’t accept it. Another study conducted in the United States shows that many seniors flat out deny that they have a hearing issue. They do everything they can to mask their problem, either because they don’t want to admit to having an issue or because of perceived stigmas attached to hearing loss.
The trouble with both of these situations is that by rejecting or not realizing you have a problem hearing you could actually be negatively influencing your overall health.
There Can be Serious Repercussions From Neglected Hearing Loss
It’s not only your ears that are affected by hearing loss – it has been connected to various ailments like depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline, and it can also be a sign of heart disease and high blood pressure.
Research has revealed that people who have loss of hearing normally have shorter life expectancy rates and their general health is not as strong as other people who have managed their hearing loss using hearing aids, dietary changes, or cognitive behavioral treatment.
It’s important to acknowledge the indications of hearing loss – continual ringing or humming in the ears, difficulty carrying on conversations, having to turn up the volume of your TV or radio.
What Can be Done About Hearing Loss?
You can get your hearing loss under control using several treatments. Hearing aids are the type of treatment that is the most prevalent, and hearing aid technology has grown leaps and bounds over the last few years so it’s unlikely you’ll encounter the same issues your parents or grandparents did. Hearing aids can now filter out background noise and wind, while also connecting wirelessly to devices like your TV, tablet, or radio.
A changes in the way you eat could also have a beneficial effect on the health of your hearing if you suffer from anemia. Since anemia iron deficiency has been demonstrated to cause hearing loss, people who suffer from tinnitus can be helped by eating foods that are high in iron.
Getting your hearing tested regularly, however, is the most significant thing you can do.
Are you worried you may have hearing troubles? Make an appointment to have a hearing examination.