Your life can be significantly affected by hearing loss, in a way that goes beyond the inability to hear. Having difficulty executing daily tasks, and strained relationships are some examples of the overall effect of hearing loss.
A study carried out by AARP found that quality of life is more seriously impacted by hearing loss than:
- Obesity
- Cancer
- Stroke
- Diabetes
Despite the fact that it has a negative impact on their lives, many people who have hearing loss refuse to seek treatment. Researchers have found that many people experiencing hearing loss are still worried about a perceived stigma attached to it. Being treated differently is one reason people who suffer from hearing loss are afraid to let anyone know they can’t hear that well. A distorted self image can be formed as a result of this perception, affecting the young and the old.
Your Not The Only One
Nowadays, people are living longer, that means there are more individuals around 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 perceived perceptions that come along with it, many of them young adults. In fact, hearing loss is one of the most widespread health issues adults deal with. The reluctance to get help persists while the number of people with hearing loss grows. How does this affect one’s general health?
What is The Perception of Hearing Loss?
The story is pretty well illustrated by the very definition of stigma, which is a brand that labels a person as inferior. Lots of people with hearing loss are worried they will look older than they are, less healthy, or less capable.
Historically, there is some basis for this concern. A 2010 study found people were not as well accepted when they suffered from hearing loss. But that research uses data nearly a decade old. As hearing loss becomes more common, this perception is changing. Hearing loss technology is becoming Stylish, fun, and sophisticated. Even celebrities are visibly wearing hearing aids. And helping to change hearts and minds, research reveals that getting treatment could delay or prevent other health problems linked to aging such as cognitive decline and dementia. Some people still won’t get help despite this research.
Does it Even Matter?
Don’t let your anxiety about negative perception stop you from seeking treatment or you may suffer long-term health consequences. An AARP survey discovered that more people consent to getting colonoscopies than hearing tests. Not acknowledging your hearing loss, not getting a hearing test and seeking treatment will take a physical toll, this is especially true over time.
Consequences of Undiagnosed or Untreated Hearing Loss
Your overall health will be affected by these physical consequences;
Fatigue
In life, everything is more challenging when you are struggling to hear. Just trying to hear conversations and common sounds is hard work. You also have to be more careful to protect your safety because you can’t hear alert sounds or cars coming. All the additional work you put into daily tasks will lead to chronic fatigue.
Common Headaches and Migraines
Headaches and even migraines can be caused by stress and tension. You might not realize there is a connection, but studies have demonstrated a link between migraines and certain kinds of hearing loss. The constant extra effort of your brain to make up for what you can’t hear can cause your head to hurt even if you’re not prone to migraines.
Mental Health
You could possibly also face mental health concerns as a result of your untreated loss of hearing like depression and social anxiety. Hearing loss can increase social isolation and has even been linked to dementia. These challenges, in turn, often come with physical symptoms like reduced energy levels or moodiness.
The Negative Perception of Hearing Loss Can be Overcome
Surmounting these negative perceptions starts with seeking out help. If you are losing your hearing, it’s probably a treatable condition. Understand that you are the one that suffers if you don’t get that treatment.
You also may be stressing for no reason because not all hearing loss is permanent. Something as basic as earwax buildup may be the reason, but you won’t know that unless you schedule an appointment to get a hearing test.
If it turns out you do have hearing loss, you need to deal with it. You can get hearing aids in all shapes and sizes nowadays. If you don’t want other people to be aware of your condition, then get a hearing aid that is less obvious.
Most importantly, show everyone that you have plenty of confidence despite your hearing loss. You should wear your hearing aids with confidence because when you can hear, you will be just as active and healthy as anyone else. Everyone who has hearing loss will also be helped by your actions. Negative perceptions are social poisons so be strong and raise awareness to change them.
Hearing loss is a medical condition, not a weakness. Make an appointment to have a hearing exam today.