The loss of hearing can have a significant effect on you, one that is about a lot more than the inability to hear things. Relationships can be strained and day-to-day activities can be disrupted by loss of hearing.
A study conducted by AARP found that untreated hearing loss had a greater impact on quality of life than:
- Cancer
- Obesity
- Stroke
- Diabetes
There are a lot of people who don’t get help with their hearing loss despite the fact that it negatively impacts their lifestyle. Researchers have found that a lot of people suffering from hearing loss are still worried about a perceived stigma attached to it. Being treated differently is one reason people with hearing loss are worried to let anyone know they can’t hear very well. This perception can distort how they see themselves whether they are 8 or 80.
Your Not The Only One
Even though it can impact people of every age, it is true that as lifespans get 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 perceived perceptions that come with it, many of them young adults. Hearing loss is, as a matter of fact, one of a young adult’s biggest health threats. Persistent reluctance to get help continues even while the amount of people with hearing loss increases. How does this affect one’s general health?
What is The Perception of Hearing Loss?
A brand that marks someone as inferior is how sufferers of hearing loss feel and that is the definition of stigma. A lot of people with hearing loss are concerned they will look older than they actually are, less healthy, or less able.
Historically, there is some basis for this worry. A 2010 study found when people have hearing loss they were not as well accepted. But that study is based on data nearly a decade old. As hearing loss becomes more widespread, this perception is improving. Sophisticated, stylish, and fun technology is now available that even has celebrities publicly wearing hearing aids. Research shows that some other age related health problems, such as dementia, may be slowed or even prevented by seeking treatment. This is changing peoples mind about hearing loss and also their hearts. But still, despite changing perceptions, some people still are reluctant to get treatment.
What Difference Does it Make?
There are health repercussions for not getting treatment, so don’t let your anxiety about negative perception keep you from getting help. More people get colonoscopies than hearing tests according to an AARP survey. Not getting a hearing examination because you refuse to acknowledge your hearing loss will affect your health as you get older.
Consequences of Undiagnosed or Untreated Hearing Loss
Not dealing with your hearing loss can have the following health consequences;
Fatigue
Finding it difficult to hear makes pretty much everything in life more difficult. It becomes a difficult task to try to hear conversations and common sounds. It becomes necessary to put more energy into staying safe, as well, because you can’t hear that vehicle coming or someone walking behind you. All the additional work you put into everyday tasks will lead to chronic fatigue.
Common Headaches and Migraines
Headaches and even migraines can be triggered by stress and tension. Studies have shown a link, though you may not have recognized there was a connection, between certain forms of hearing loss and migraines. Even if you don’t normally get migraines, your brain has to make up for what you can’t hear, and that constant struggle can cause your head to hurt.
Mental Health
Anxiety and depression are some mental health concerns you could also end up facing as a result of untreated loss of hearing. Hearing loss can lead to dementia and often results in social isolation. Moodiness and reduced energy levels go hand-in-hand with these other challenges.
Overcoming Negative Perceptions of Hearing Loss
Seeking help is the first step to surmounting these negative perceptions. It is possible to treat hearing loss. If you make the decision not to get help, you should recognize that you are the one who suffers.
You also might be stressing over nothing because not all hearing loss is permanent. Simple earwax buildup can lead to loss of hearing, but you can’t be certain unless you make an appointment to have your hearing checked.
Acknowledging you have hearing loss is not enough, it’s important to do something about it. Hearing aids come in many style options now. Less conspicuous styles are available if you feel worried about people knowing you have hearing loss.
You can prove everyone wrong if you handle 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 has hearing loss will also be benefited by your actions. Negative perceptions are social poisons so be strong and raise awareness to change them.
Hearing loss is not a personal weakness it’s a medical condition. Get a hearing exam today.