Loss of hearing can have a significant impact on you, one that goes beyond the inability to hear things. Relationships can be strained and daily tasks can be interrupted by hearing loss.
A survey carried out by AARP found that untreated hearing loss had a more significant effect on quality of life than:
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Obesity
- Diabetes
There are many people who don’t seek help with their hearing loss in spite of the fact that it negatively impacts their lives. A perceived stigma associated with loss of hearing is one reason why people who have hearing loss don’t seek out the help they need, say researchers. Being treated differently is one reason people who have hearing loss are reluctant to let anyone know they can’t hear that well. This perception can change how they see themselves whether they are young or old.
It’s Not Just You
As lifespans get longer, hearing loss has become more prevalent, despite the fact that it can effect people of every age, The World Health Organization reports that there are more than 1.1 billion people, many of them young adults, at risk of hearing loss and the perceived perception that comes with it. One of the most common health issues facing young adults is, as a matter of fact, hearing loss. Persistent resistance to getting help continues even as the number of people who have hearing loss increases. How is one’s general health impacted?
What is The Perception of Hearing Loss?
The story is pretty well illustrated by the actual definition of stigma, which is a brand that marks a person as inferior. The anxiety for a lot of people who suffer from hearing loss is that they will appear less capable, older, and perhaps less healthy.
Historically, there is some basis for this worry. A 2010 study found when people suffer from hearing loss they were not as well accepted. But that study is based on data nearly 10 years old. As hearing loss becomes more common, this perception is changing. Hearing loss technology is becoming Stylish, fun, and cutting edge. Even celebrities are visibly wearing hearing aids. Also helping to change hearts and minds, research indicates that getting treatment could delay or prevent other health issues connected to aging like cognitive decline and dementia. In spite of this, some people still won’t get the treatment they need.
Does it Even Matter?
There are health consequences for not getting treatment, so don’t let your concern about negative perception stop you from seeking help. An AARP survey discovered that more people agree to get colonoscopies than they do hearing tests. Not recognizing your hearing loss, not getting a hearing exam and seeking treatment will take a physical toll, particularly over time.
Untreated Hearing Loss, What Are The Consequences?
Not dealing with your hearing loss can have the following health consequences;
Fatigue
In life, everything is harder if you are struggling to hear. It’s difficult to try to hear conversations and everyday sounds. It becomes necessary to put more energy into staying safe, as well, because you can’t hear that car or truck coming or someone walking behind you. You can become chronically fatigued simply by trying to hear common sounds.
Common Headaches and Migraines
You can suffer from headaches and migraines if you have too much anxiety and tension. You might not realize there is a connection, but studies have shown a link between migraines and some 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 constant struggle can make your head hurt.
Mental Health
Anxiety and depression are some mental health concerns you could also end up facing as a consequence 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.
It is Possible to Surmount The Negative Perception of Hearing Loss
Conquering these negative perceptions begins with seeking out help. It is possible to treat hearing loss. Understand that you are the one that suffers if you won’t get help.
You also might be stressing for no reason because not all hearing loss is permanent. Something as basic as earwax buildup could be the reason, but you won’t know for sure unless you schedule an appointment to get a hearing test.
Make sure you deal with it if you find out that you do have hearing loss. You can get hearing aids in all shapes and sizes nowadays. You can get hearing aids that are less noticeable if your nervous about people learning you have hearing loss.
You can prove everyone wrong if you deal with your hearing loss in the right way. Wear 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. Negative perceptions are social poisons so be strong and increase awareness to change them.
Hearing loss is not a personal weakness it’s a medical condition. So see a hearing professional for a hearing exam right away.