Your life can be profoundly affected by hearing loss, in a way that goes beyond the inability to hear. Relationships can be stressed and everyday pursuits can be interrupted by loss of hearing.
A survey conducted by AARP found that quality of life is more seriously impacted by hearing loss than:
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Obesity
There are a lot of people who don’t seek help with their hearing loss in spite of the fact that it negatively impacts their lives. Lots of people who have hearing loss shun getting help because they think that there is a stigma associated with hearing loss, according to researchers. People are scared they will be treated differently if others find out they have hearing loss. A distorted self image can be formed as a result of this perception, impacting the young and the old.
It’s Not Only You
As lifespans grow longer, hearing loss has become more prevalent, despite the fact that it can impact people of all ages, The World Health Organization reports that over 1.1 billion people are at risk of hearing loss and the perceptions that come along with it, many of them young adults. One of the most widespread health concerns facing young adults is, as a matter of fact, hearing loss. Even as the number of people who have hearing loss keeps growing, the resistance to seeking assistance for hearing loss appears to persist. How does this impact one’s general health?
How Is Hearing Loss Viewed?
By definition, stigma is a brand that marks someone as inferior and that pretty much tells the story. The anxiety for many people who suffer from hearing loss is that they will appear less able, older, and possibly 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 study is based on data nearly a decade old. As hearing loss is becoming more common, this perception is changing. Cutting edge, stylish, and fun technology is now available that even has celebrities visibly wearing hearing aids. Other health concerns related to aging, such as cognitive decline and dementia could be delayed or even prevented by getting treatment, according to research. This is also helping to improve the perception. Some people still don’t get help in spite of this research.
What Difference Does it Make?
Don’t allow your anxiety about negative perception stop you from getting help or you could suffer permanent health consequences. An AARP survey found that more people agree to get colonoscopies than hearing tests. Not acknowledging your hearing loss, not getting a hearing exam and seeking treatment will take a physical toll, this is especially true over time.
Consequences of Undiagnosed or Untreated Hearing Loss
Your general health will be impacted by these physical consequences;
Fatigue
Finding it difficult to hear makes just about everything in life more difficult. Just trying to hear conversations and common sounds is a difficult task. You also have to be extra careful to protect your safety because you can’t hear warning sounds or vehicles coming. 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 tension. Studies have shown a link, though you might not have recognized there was a correlation, between some forms of hearing loss and migraines. The constant extra effort of your brain to make up for sounds 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 also end up facing as a result of untreated loss of hearing. Hearing loss can increase social isolation and has even been linked to dementia. You will have less energy and will be moodier if you have these other issues.
The Negative Perception of Hearing Loss Can be Overcome
Taking the first step and get help if you want to conquer these negative perceptions. If you are losing your hearing, it’s probably a treatable condition. Recognize that you are the one that suffers if you don’t get that treatment.
There may not even be any reason to stress because not all hearing loss is permanent. common earwax buildup can lead to hearing loss, but you can’t be sure unless you make an appointment to have a hearing test.
Acknowledging you have hearing loss is not enough, you need to do something about it. There are many style options now. There are hearing aids that are less visible if your nervous about people knowing you have hearing loss.
Above all, prove them wrong. Put on your hearing aids and let everyone know you are just as active, happy, and involved as everyone else. The perception of people who have hearing loss will be improved if you act this way. 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 test right away.