Inability to hear is not the only effect of hearing loss, it can also have a powerful impact on your life. Having trouble executing daily tasks, and strained relationships are examples of the general effect of hearing loss.
A survey conducted by AARP found that quality of life is more seriously impacted by hearing loss than:
- Cancer
- Obesity
- Stroke
- Diabetes
There are lots of people who don’t get help with their hearing loss in spite of the fact that it negatively impacts their lifestyle. A perceived stigma attached to 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 worried to let anyone know they can’t hear very well. It doesn’t matter how old they are, this perception can alter the way they view themselves.
Many Other People Also Have Hearing Loss
Though it can effect people of every age group, it is true that as lifespans get longer there are more instances of hearing loss. 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. In fact, hearing loss is one of the most common health issues adults face. Persistent resistance to getting help continues while the amount of people who have hearing loss increases. What is the effect on overall health?
What is The Perception of Hearing Loss?
By definition, stigma is a brand that marks a person as inferior and that basically tells the story. Lots of people who suffer from hearing loss are worried they will seem older than they are, less healthy, or less capable.
Historically, there is some foundation for this worry. A 2010 study revealed people were not as well accepted when they suffered from hearing loss. But the data from this study is almost a decade old. As hearing loss becomes more widespread, this perception is changing. Celebrities openly wear hearing aids and the technology is becoming more sophisticated, stylish, and fun. Research reveals that some other age related health issues, such as dementia, could be slowed or even prevented by seeking treatment. This is changing peoples mind about hearing loss and also their hearts. Despite this, some people still don’t get the assistance they really need.
What Difference Does it Make?
Don’t let your fear of negative perception keep you from getting treatment or you might suffer long-term health consequences. People get colonoscopies, according to an AARP study, more often than they get hearing tests. Not getting a hearing test because you won’t 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 repercussions;
Fatigue
Finding it difficult to hear makes pretty much everything in life more challenging. It’s difficult to try to hear conversations and common sounds. You also have to be more careful to protect your safety because you can’t hear warning sounds or cars approaching. You will become chronically fatigued just by trying to hear common sounds.
Common Headaches and Migraines
Headaches and even migraines can be caused by anxiety and tension. You might not realize there is a connection, but studies have revealed a link between migraines and certain kinds of hearing loss. The constant extra effort of your brain to compensate for sounds you can’t hear can cause your head to hurt even if you don’t normally get migraines.
Mental Health
You might also be facing mental health problems as a result of your untreated hearing loss such as depression and social anxiety. Hearing loss can lead to dementia and frequently results in social isolation. These issues, in turn, often produce physical symptoms like reduced energy levels or moodiness.
Overcoming Negative Perceptions of Hearing Loss
Getting help is the first step to surmounting these negative perceptions. It is possible to treat hearing loss. Recognize that you are the one that suffers if you won’t get help.
There may not even be a cause to stress out because not all hearing loss is permanent. Simple earwax buildup can lead to hearing loss, but you won’t know for sure unless you make an appointment to have your hearing checked.
Knowing you have hearing loss is not enough, it’s important to take action. 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 hearing aid that is less obvious.
Above all, prove them wrong. You can be just as active and healthy as anyone, so wear your hearing aids with self-confidence. Your mindset will change people’s perception not only of you, but of everyone else who has hearing loss. Raise awareness and keep healthy by not surrendering to negative perceptions.
You don’t have to be less able if you have hearing loss, because it’s actually a medical condition. Make an appointment to have a hearing exam today.