Loss of hearing can have a powerful impact on you, one that goes beyond the inability to hear things. The loss of your hearing can easily impede daily tasks and can strain relationships.
A study conducted by AARP found that untreated hearing loss had a greater effect on quality of life than:
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Stroke
- Obesity
Despite the fact that it has a negative impact on their lifestyle, a lot of people who have hearing loss refuse to seek treatment. A perceived stigma associated with loss of hearing is one reason why people who have hearing loss won’t get the help they need, according to researchers. Being treated differently is one reason people who suffer from hearing loss are reluctant to let anyone know they can’t hear that well. It doesn’t make a difference how old they are, this perception can change the way they view themselves.
Your Not The Only One
Even though it can affect people of any age, it is true that as lifespans grow 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, in danger of hearing loss and the perceived perception that comes with it. One of the most common health concerns facing young adults is, actually, hearing loss. Persistent resistance to getting help continues even as the number of people who have hearing loss grows. How is one’s overall health impacted?
How Is Hearing Loss Viewed?
The story is pretty much illustrated by the very definition of stigma, which is a brand that marks someone as inferior. The concern for many people who suffer from hearing loss is that they will appear less able, older, and maybe less healthy.
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 that research is based on data almost a decade old. As hearing loss is becoming more common, this perception is changing. Celebrities openly wear hearing aids and the devices are becoming more sophisticated, stylish, and fun. Also helping to change hearts and minds, research reveals that getting treatment could delay or prevent other health problems connected to aging like cognitive decline and dementia. And still, despite changing perceptions, some people still hesitate to get help.
What Difference Does it Make?
Don’t allow your fear of negative perception stop you from seeking help or you might suffer long-term health consequences. More people get colonoscopies than hearing tests according to an AARP survey. Not acknowledging your hearing loss, not getting a hearing examination and seeking treatment will take a physical toll, especially over time.
Consequences of Undiagnosed or Untreated Hearing Loss
Your general health will be impacted by these physical consequences;
Fatigue
In life, everything is harder if you are struggling to hear. It’s difficult to try and hear conversations and common sounds. Because you can’t hear oncoming traffic or a person walking up behind you, you need to put more work into keeping safe also. You will become chronically fatigued simply by trying to hear everyday sounds.
Migraines
Stress and fear can trigger migraines and other kinds of headaches. Studies have shown a link, though you might not have recognized there was a connection, between some forms of hearing loss and migraines. The constant extra effort by your brain to make up for what you can’t hear can cause your head to ache even if you’re not prone to migraines.
Mental Health
Anxiety and depression are some mental health problems you could possibly also end up facing as a result of untreated hearing loss. Loss of hearing could increase social isolation and has even been connected to dementia. Moodiness and reduced energy levels go along with these other issues.
The Negative Perception of Hearing Loss Can be Overcome
Overcoming these negative perceptions starts with seeking out help. It is possible to treat hearing loss. If you make the decision not to get treatment, you should understand that you are the one who suffers.
There might not even be a reason to stress out since not all hearing loss is permanent. You won’t know what the problem is unless you schedule an appointment to get a hearing exam. It could be simple earwax buildup.
Recognizing you have hearing loss is not enough, it’s important to take action. Hearing aids come in many style options now. Less conspicuous styles are available if you are concerned about people knowing you have hearing loss.
You can prove everyone wrong if you handle your hearing loss in the right way. You should wear your hearing aids with confidence because when you can hear, you will be just as active and healthy as anyone else. The perception of people with hearing loss will be improved if you act like this. Negative perceptions are social poisons so stay strong and raise awareness to change them.
Hearing loss is not a personal weakness it’s a medical condition. So see a hearing professional for a hearing exam right away.