The loss of hearing can have a powerful impact on you, one that goes beyond the inability to hear things. Having difficulty carrying out daily activities, and strained relationships are some examples of the overall effect of loss of hearing.
A survey carried out by AARP found that quality of life is more seriously impacted by hearing loss than:
- Obesity
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Cancer
Despite the fact that it gets in the way of their lifestyle, many people who have hearing loss refuse to get treatment. Researchers have found that a lot of people experiencing hearing loss are still anxious about a perceived stigma attached to it. If others find out they suffer from hearing loss, people are scared they will be treated differently. This perception can change how they view themselves whether they are young or old.
Your Not The Only One
Nowadays, people are living longer, so there are more individuals out there with hearing loss, as well, although it doesn’t only affect seniors. The World Health Organization reports that over 1.1 billion people are in danger of hearing loss and the perceptions that come with it, many of them young adults. One of the most widespread health issues facing young adults is, actually, hearing loss. Persistent resistance to getting help continues even as the number of people who suffer from hearing loss increases. How is one’s overall health affected?
How Is Hearing Loss Perceived?
The story is pretty much illustrated by the actual definition of stigma, which is a brand that labels a person as inferior. Many people with hearing loss are worried they will look older than they are, less healthy, or less able.
Historically, there is some basis for this concern. A 2010 study revealed people were not as well accepted when they suffered from hearing loss. But that study uses data nearly a decade old. This perception is improving as hearing loss is becoming more prevalent. Sophisticated, stylish, and fun technology is currently available that even has celebrities openly wearing hearing aids. Other health concerns related to aging, such as cognitive decline and dementia could be delayed or even prevented by getting treatment, researchers say. This is also helping to improve the perception. In spite of this, many people still don’t get the assistance they really need.
What Difference Does it Make?
Don’t permit your fear of negative perception keep you from seeking help or you might suffer long-term health consequences. People get colonoscopies, according to an AARP survey, more often than they get hearing tests. Not having 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 general health will be affected by these physical consequences;
Fatigue
Everything in life is more challenging if you are struggling to hear. You have to work harder than other people to hear conversations and sounds. Because you can’t hear oncoming traffic or that person walking up behind you, you have to put more effort into staying safe as well. You can become chronically fatigued just by attempting to hear common sounds.
Migraines
Headaches and even migraines can be triggered by anxiety and tension. You might not recognize there is a connection, but studies have shown a link between migraines and some types of hearing loss. Even if you don’t normally get migraines, your brain has to make up for the sounds you can’t hear, and that constant struggle can cause your head to hurt.
Mental Health
As a consequence of your untreated hearing loss, you may be facing mental health concerns such as depression and social anxiety. Hearing loss could increase social isolation and has even been linked to dementia. These issues, in turn, often produce physical symptoms such as reduced energy levels or moodiness.
Overcoming Negative Perceptions of Hearing Loss
Seeking help is the step one to overcoming these negative perceptions. If you are losing your hearing, it’s probably a treatable condition. If you make the decision not to get treatment, you should understand that you are the one who suffers.
Not all hearing loss is permanent, either, so you could be stressing for no reason. Something as simple as earwax buildup may be the cause, but you won’t know that unless you schedule an appointment to get a hearing test.
If you find out you do have hearing loss, you need to deal with it. Nowadays hearing aids come in many shapes and sizes. If you don’t want other people to be aware of your hearing loss, then get a device that is less noticeable.
You can prove everyone wrong if you deal with your hearing loss in the right way. Put on your hearing aids and let everyone know you are just as active, happy, and engaged as everyone else. Everyone who suffers from hearing loss will also be benefited by your actions. Boost awareness and stay healthy by not surrendering to negative perceptions.
Hearing loss is not a personal weakness it’s a medical condition. Make an appointment to have a hearing exam today.