Hidden risks of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is an invisible impairment that affects millions of people across the country and around the world. While it often goes undetected or untreated, it can have significant effects on quality of life, posing risks to physical safety, cognitive abilities, psychological health, family and social and relationships.
The Hidden Risks Of Hearing Loss
If hearing loss goes undetected and untreated, it can contribute to a host of problems, many of which represent hidden risks. Here are some of the problems that can be faced by people who experience hearing loss:
Anxiety and isolation: If you are finding it increasingly difficult to hear people when they talk to you, You might start to get anxious about going out or meeting up with friends, and this could result in you becoming isolated and withdrawn.
Effects on Relationships: Untreated hearing loss can have a significant effect on relationships with loved ones and friends, as well as daily interactions in the community. In case you are missing pieces of data, or you are gesturing along to a discussion you can not sincerely hear, this could put a strain on your relationships and cause you to feel like you are missing out.
Mental health: We tend to take our hearing for granted. When you can hear perfectly, you assume that you’ll always be able to hear without any problems. Unfortunately, many of us experience hearing loss, especially as we approach our senior years. Hearing loss can be tough to take, and in some cases, it can impact confidence and wellbeing.
Dementia: Studies into hearing loss have shown that it is linked to a higher rate of atrophy within the brain. When brain cells wither or weaken, dementia can occur. In essence, it is possible that untreated hearing loss could increase the risk of developing dementia.
Fatigue: If you are finding it hard to hear, you have to put more effort into listening, and this can cause fatigue. If you are concentrating all the time, and you are spending all your energy on trying to keep up in meetings, this can be exhausting.
Falls And Accidents: Our ears play a crucial role in our ability to balance and hearing loss can have an impact on how well we move and get around. Untreated hearing loss could increase the risk of falls and subsequent injuries, which could cause a whole range of health factors.
Diabetes and heart disease: Hearing impairments are associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes, because the structures in the ear are affected by variations in blood flow.
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Hearing Aid Myths That Hold You Back
The following hearing aid myths could be holding you back from living your best possible life:
Wearing hearing aids means I am old, and I am not ready for that
There is no downside to using hearing aids. They help most people who try them. And in those people, they can make all the difference in the world—allowing people to reengage with friends and family and to be more involved again. If you have hearing loss, don’t let the following myths keep you from getting help.
I do not like the way hearing aids look
Today’s hearing aids and cochlear implants are smaller (and less conspicuous) than ever before. Even celebrities are wearing them proudly.
Hearing aids cost too much
Hearing aids are an investment in your health and your quality of life. The cost of hearing loss, as shown through the study above is even higher than anyone previously knew.
I heard that hearing aids are difficult to use
Most doctors and hearing centers include a trial period, so you can ensure the type of hearing aid you have chosen is the right fit for you.
How To prevent hearing loss?
- Treat ear infections promptly.
- Use recommended methods to keep your ears clean.
- See a doctor if you have a high fever, severe headaches, dizziness or spinning sensations, or other unusual symptoms.
- Listen to music at moderate volume.
- Use highly rated earplugs or headphones when using loud equipment or firing weapons.
- Wear earplugs to concerts and sporting events, on airplanes or train stations.
- Avoid sitting directly in front of speakers.
- Review your current medications to ensure you are not exposing yourself to unnecessary risk.
- If you notice side effects such as tinnitus, dizziness, or hearing loss, discuss the benefits, health risks, and alternative medication options with your physician and pharmacist.
- Get your hearing tested to establish a baseline and then periodically retest over time.
References
How Do I Know if I Have Hearing Loss Caused by Loud Noise?