Inability to hear is not the only effect of hearing loss, it can also have a profound impact on your overall life. Relationships can be strained and day-to-day pursuits can be disrupted by hearing loss.
A study conducted by AARP found that quality of life is more seriously impacted by hearing loss than:
The loss of hearing, when not treated, can seriously have a negative effect on your lifestyle, nevertheless, there are many people who don’t get help. A lot of people who suffer from hearing loss avoid getting help because they think that there is a stigma associated with hearing loss, according to researchers. Being treated differently is one reason people with 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 8 or 80.
Your Not The Only One
As lifespans grow longer, hearing loss has become more commonplace, despite the fact that it can effect people of any age, The World Health Organization reports that over 1.1 billion people are in danger 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. Even as the amount of people who suffer from hearing loss keeps growing, the resistance to seeking assistance for hearing loss seems to persist. How does this impact one’s 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 come across as older than they are, less healthy, or less capable.
Historically, there is some basis for this concern. A 2010 study revealed people were not as well accepted when they had hearing loss. But the data from this research is nearly 10 years old. This perception is changing as hearing loss is becoming more widespread. Sophisticated, stylish, and fun technology is now available that even has celebrities openly wearing hearing aids. Other health problems relating to aging, like cognitive decline and dementia may be delayed or even prevented by getting treatment, according to research. This is also helping to change the perception. In spite of this, many people still don’t get the help they need.
What Difference Does it Make?
There are health consequences for not seeking treatment, so don’t let your fear of negative perception keep you from getting help. People get colonoscopies, according to an AARP study, more often than they get hearing tests. Not recognizing your hearing loss, not getting a hearing examination and seeking treatment will take a physical toll, particularly over time.
Untreated Hearing Loss, What Are The Consequences?
Not taking care of your hearing loss can have the following health consequences;
Everything in life is more tiresome when you are working hard to hear. It’s difficult to try to hear conversations and common sounds. You put more energy into staying safe, also, because you can’t hear that vehicle coming or someone walking up from behind you. You will become chronically fatigued simply by trying to hear common sounds.
Common Headaches and Migraines
Headaches and even migraines can be caused by anxiety and tension. You might not recognize there is a connection, but studies have demonstrated a link between migraines and certain kinds of hearing loss. Your brain needs to compensate for the sounds you can’t hear, so even if you’re not prone to migraines, the extra effort can make your headache.
As a result of your untreated hearing loss, you could face mental health issues such as depression and social anxiety. Hearing loss can lead to dementia and often causes social isolation. Moodiness and reduced energy levels go along with these other issues.
It is Possible to Overcome The Negative Perception of Hearing Loss
Seeking help is the first step to surmounting these negative perceptions. If you are losing your hearing, it is treatable. Your only causing your own hardship by not getting treatment.
There may not even be any cause to stress as not all loss of hearing is permanent. Simple earwax buildup can lead to hearing loss, but you can’t be sure unless you schedule an appointment to have your hearing checked.
Make sure you do something about it if you find out that you do have hearing loss. Hearing aids come in many style options now. You can get devices that are less noticeable if your nervous about people learning you have hearing loss.
Finally, prove them wrong. You should 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 only of you, but of everyone else who has hearing loss. Negative perceptions are social poisons so stay strong and increase awareness to change them.
You don’t have to be less able if you have hearing loss, because it’s actually a medical condition. So see a hearing professional for a hearing test right away.