Your life can be significantly affected by hearing loss, in a way that goes beyond the inability to hear. Having trouble carrying out daily tasks, and strained relationships are examples of the general effect of hearing loss.
A study carried out by AARP found that quality of life is more seriously impacted by hearing loss than:
- Obesity
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Cancer
Hearing loss, when neglected, can definitely have a negative effect on your lifestyle, nevertheless, there are many who don’t get help. Many people who suffer from hearing loss shun getting help because they think that there is a stigma associated with hearing loss, according to researchers. Being treated differently is one reason people who have hearing loss are reluctant to tell anyone they can’t hear very well. It doesn’t matter how old they are, this perception can distort the way they see themselves.
It’s Not Only You
As lifespans grow longer, hearing loss has become more prevalent, despite the fact that it can impact people of every age group, 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 issues facing young adults is, in fact, hearing loss. The reluctance to get help persists even as the number of people with hearing loss grows. How is one’s general health affected?
How Is Hearing Loss Perceived?
The story is pretty well demonstrated by the actual 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 basis for this worry. A 2010 study revealed people were not as well accepted when they had hearing loss. But the data from this study is nearly 10 years old. As hearing loss is becoming more common, this perception is improving. Celebrities visibly wear hearing aids and the technology is becoming more cutting edge, stylish, and fun. Research shows that some other age related health problems, such as dementia, could be slowed or even prevented by getting treatment. This is changing peoples mind about hearing loss and also their hearts. Some people still won’t seek help in spite of this research.
Why Does It Matter?
Don’t permit your anxiety about negative perception keep you from getting treatment or you might suffer permanent health consequences. People get colonoscopies, according to an AARP survey, more often than they get 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.
Untreated Hearing Loss, What Are The Consequences?
Not dealing with your hearing loss can have the following health repercussions;
Fatigue
In life, everything is more difficult when you are struggling to hear. Just trying to hear conversations and everyday sounds is a difficult task. You also need to be extra careful to protect your safety because you can’t hear alert sounds or cars approaching. Just working hard to hear common sounds can induce chronic fatigue.
Common Headaches and Migraines
You can get headaches and migraines if you have too much fear and stress. You might not recognize there is a correlation, but studies have demonstrated a link between migraines and some kinds of hearing loss. Even if you’re not prone to migraines, your brain has to compensate for the sounds you can’t hear, and that effort can cause your head to hurt.
Mental Health
As a consequence of your untreated loss of hearing, you could face mental health problems including depression and social anxiety. Social isolation is increased by hearing loss and it can also lead to dementia. Moodiness and reduced energy levels go hand-in-hand with these other issues.
The Negative Perception of Hearing Loss Can be Overcome
Surmounting these negative perceptions begins with seeking out help. If you are losing your hearing, it is treatable. Your only creating your own hardship by not getting treatment.
You also might be stressing over nothing because not all hearing loss is permanent. You won’t know what the issue is unless you schedule an appointment to get a hearing exam. It could be simple earwax buildup.
Knowing you have hearing loss is not enough, you need to take action. Hearing aids come in many shapes and sizes nowadays. Less conspicuous styles are available if you are concerned about people finding out you have hearing loss.
You can prove everyone wrong if you deal with 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 be strong and increase awareness to change them.
Hearing loss is not a personal weakness it’s a medical condition. Get your hearing tested today.