Inability to hear is not the only effect of hearing loss, it can also have a profound impact on your life. Relationships can be strained and daily pursuits can be disrupted by 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
Even though it gets in the way of their lifestyle, a lot of people who have hearing loss refuse to seek treatment. Researchers have discovered that a lot of people suffering from hearing loss are still anxious 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 very well. This perception can change how they see themselves whether they are young or old.
It’s Not Just You
Today, people are living longer, that means there are more individuals out there with hearing loss, too, even though it doesn’t only impact older people. 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 widespread health concerns facing young adults is, actually, hearing loss. Persistent resistance to getting help continues even while the number of people who have hearing loss grows. What is the effect on general health?
How Is Hearing Loss Perceived?
A brand that labels a person as inferior is how people with hearing loss feel and that is the actual meaning of stigma. The anxiety for many people who suffer from hearing loss is that they will seem less able, older, and possibly less healthy.
Historically, there is some basis for this concern. A 2010 study found when people suffer from hearing loss they were not as well accepted. But the data from this research is almost a decade old. As hearing loss is becoming more common, this perception is improving. Hearing loss technology is becoming Stylish, fun, and sophisticated. Even celebrities are publicly wearing hearing aids. Research shows that some other age related health problems, such as dementia, could be slowed or even prevented by seeking treatment. This is changing peoples mind about hearing loss and also their hearts. Despite this, some people still won’t get the assistance they really need.
What Difference Does it Make?
Don’t allow your anxiety about negative perception stop you from getting help or you might suffer long-term health consequences. More people get colonoscopies than hearing tests according to an AARP survey. Not getting a hearing examination because you refuse to recognize your hearing loss will impact your health as you get older.
Consequences of Undiagnosed or Untreated Hearing Loss
These bodily consequences of not dealing with your hearing loss will impact your general health;
Fatigue
In life, everything is harder if you are struggling to hear. It becomes a difficult task to try and hear conversations and common sounds. Because you can’t hear traffic or that person coming up behind you, you need to put more energy into keeping safe too. You can become chronically fatigued simply by trying to hear day-to-day sounds.
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 connection, but studies have shown a link between migraines and some types of hearing loss. The constant extra effort by your brain to make up for sounds you can’t hear can cause your head to hurt even if you don’t normally get migraines.
Mental Health
As a result of your untreated loss of hearing, you may be facing mental health problems such as depression and social anxiety. Social isolation is worse when you have hearing loss and it can also result in dementia. You will have less energy and will be moodier if you have these other issues.
It is Possible to Overcome The Negative Perception of Hearing Loss
Taking the first step and seek out help if you want to overcome these negative perceptions. It is possible to treat hearing loss. If you choose not to get help, you should recognize that you are the one who suffers.
You also might be stressing out for no reason because not all hearing loss is permanent. Something as simple as earwax buildup may be the reason, but you won’t know that unless you make an appointment to get a hearing test.
Recognizing you have hearing loss is not enough, it’s important to take action. Hearing aids come in all shapes and sizes these days. You can get devices that are less obvious if your worried about people learning 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 engaged as anyone. Your attitude will change people’s perception not just of you, but of everyone else who experiences hearing loss. Raise awareness and keep healthy by not surrendering to negative perceptions.
You don’t have to be less capable if you have hearing loss, because it’s actually a medical condition. So see a hearing professional for a hearing test right away.