Hearing loss can have a significant impact on you, one that goes beyond the inability to hear things. Relationships can be strained and everyday activities can be interrupted by loss of hearing.
A study conducted by AARP found that neglected hearing loss had a more significant impact on quality of life than:
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Obesity
There are a lot of people who don’t get help with their hearing loss in spite of the fact that it negatively impacts their lifestyle. A perceived stigma associated with loss of hearing is one reason why people who suffer from hearing loss won’t seek out the treatment they need, according to researchers. Being treated differently is one reason people who suffer from hearing loss are worried to let anyone know they can’t hear very well. It doesn’t matter how old they are, this perception can change the way they see themselves.
Your Not The Only One
Although it can affect people of every age, it is true that as lifespans grow longer there are more instances of hearing loss. The World Health Organization reports that over 1.1 billion people are at risk of hearing loss and the perceived perceptions that come along with it, many of them young adults. In fact, hearing loss is one of the most widespread health issues adults face. Even as the amount of people who suffer from hearing loss continues to grow, the resistance to getting help for hearing loss seems to persist. How does this affect one’s overall health?
What is The Perception of Hearing Loss?
By definition, stigma is a brand that marks someone as inferior and that pretty much tells the story. The concern for many people who suffer from hearing loss is that they will seem less able, older, and maybe less healthy.
Historically, there is some basis for this worry. A 2010 study found people were not as well accepted when they had hearing loss. But that study is based on data nearly a decade old. This perception is changing as hearing loss becomes more commonplace. Hearing loss technology is becoming Stylish, fun, and cutting edge. Even celebrities are visibly wearing hearing aids. And helping to change hearts and minds, research shows that getting treatment may delay or prevent other health problems linked to aging like cognitive decline and dementia. Some people still don’t get help despite this research.
What Difference Does it Make?
It is simple to say that perception doesn’t matter, but if this worry is keeping you from getting help, know that there are health repercussions for not getting treatment. People get colonoscopies, according to an AARP study, more often than they get hearing tests. Not acknowledging your hearing loss, not getting a hearing examination and seeking treatment will take a physical toll, this is especially true over time.
Consequences of Undiagnosed or Untreated Hearing Loss
Not dealing with your hearing loss can have the following health consequences;
Fatigue
Finding it difficult to hear makes just about everything in life harder. Just trying to hear conversations and normal sounds is a difficult task. You have to put more effort into keeping safe, too, because you can’t hear that car or truck coming or someone walking up from behind you. You will become chronically fatigued just by trying to hear common sounds.
Common Headaches and Migraines
Tension and fear can cause migraines and other forms of headaches. You might not realize there is a connection, but studies have revealed a link between migraines and certain kinds of hearing loss. Your brain needs to make up for the sounds you can’t hear, so even if you don’t normally suffer from migraines, the constant effort can make your headache.
Mental Health
You might also face mental health issues as a result of your untreated hearing loss such as depression and social anxiety. Social isolation is worse when you have hearing loss and it can also result in dementia. Moodiness and reduced energy levels go hand-in-hand with these other challenges.
It is Possible to Overcome The Negative Perception of Hearing Loss
Overcoming these negative perceptions starts with getting help. 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.
Not all loss of hearing is permanent, either, so you could be stressing for no reason. common earwax buildup can cause loss of hearing, but you won’t know for certain unless you schedule an appointment to have your hearing checked.
Knowing you have hearing loss is not enough, you need to do something about it. Hearing aids come in many shapes and sizes these days. There are hearing aids that are less noticeable if your nervous about people learning you have hearing loss.
You can prove everyone wrong if you handle your hearing loss in the right way. You can be just as active and healthy as everyone else, so wear your hearing aids with confidence. Your attitude will change people’s perception not only of you, but of everyone else who suffers from hearing loss. 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 a hearing exam today.