Your overall life can be profoundly affected by hearing loss, in a way that goes beyond the inability to hear. Relationships can be strained and everyday activities can be interrupted by hearing loss.
A study carried out by AARP found that quality of life is more seriously impacted by hearing loss than:
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Obesity
There are lots of people who don’t seek help with their hearing loss in spite of the fact that it negatively impacts their lives. A perceived stigma attached to hearing loss is one reason why people with hearing loss won’t get the help they need, say researchers. Being treated differently is one reason people who have hearing loss are afraid to let anyone know they can’t hear very well. It doesn’t make a difference how old they are, this perception can alter the way they view themselves.
Many Others Also Have Hearing Loss
These days, people live longer, so there are more individuals out there with hearing loss, too, although it doesn’t just affect seniors. 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. In fact, hearing loss is one of the most common health issues adults deal with. The reluctance to get help persists even as the amount of people with hearing loss grows. How does this impact one’s overall health?
What is The Perception of Hearing Loss?
A brand that marks someone as inferior is how people with hearing loss feel and that is the definition of stigma. Many people who suffer from hearing loss are worried they will seem older than they actually are, less healthy, or less capable.
Historically, there is some basis for this concern. A 2010 study revealed when people have hearing loss they were not as well accepted. But that study uses data nearly a decade old. As hearing loss becomes more common, this perception is improving. Cutting edge, stylish, and fun technology is currently available that even has celebrities visibly wearing hearing aids. Other health issues related 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.
Does it Even Matter?
Don’t allow your fear of negative perception keep you from getting treatment or you could suffer permanent health consequences. People get colonoscopies, according to an AARP survey, more often than they get hearing tests. Not getting a hearing test because you refuse to acknowledge your hearing loss will impact your health as you get older.
Consequences of Undiagnosed or Untreated Hearing Loss
These bodily consequences of not taking care of your hearing loss will impact your general health;
Fatigue
Finding it difficult to hear makes just about everything in life more difficult. You have to work more than others to hear conversations and sounds. Because you can’t hear traffic or that person walking up behind you, you have to put more energy into staying safe as well. All the additional work you put into day-to-day tasks will lead to chronic fatigue.
Migraines
Headaches and even migraines can be triggered by stress and tension. You might not realize there is a correlation, but studies have shown a link between migraines and certain kinds 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 make your head hurt.
Mental Health
As a result of your untreated loss of hearing, you could face mental health issues such as depression and social anxiety. Loss of hearing can increase social isolation and has even been linked to dementia. You will have less energy and will be moodier if you have these other challenges.
The Negative Perception of Hearing Loss Can be Overcome
Taking the first step and seek out help if you want to overcome these negative perceptions. It is possible to treat hearing loss. If you decide not to get treatment, you should understand that you are the one who suffers.
You also may be stressing out for no reason because not all hearing loss is permanent. You can’t be sure what the issue is unless you make an appointment to get a hearing exam. It could be as simple as earwax buildup.
If you find out you do have hearing loss, you need to deal with it. Hearing aids come in many style options nowadays. If you don’t want other people to be aware of your condition, then look for devices that are less noticeable.
You can prove everyone wrong if you handle your hearing loss in the right way. You can wear your hearing aids with confidence because when you can hear, you will be just as active and healthy as anyone else. Your mindset will change people’s perception not just of you, but of everyone else who has hearing loss. Boost awareness and keep healthy by not surrendering to negative perceptions.
You don’t have to be less capable if you have hearing loss, because it’s actually a medical condition. Make an appointment to have a hearing exam today.