The loss of hearing can have a significant impact on you, one that is about a lot more than the inability to hear things. Having trouble executing daily tasks, and strained relationships are examples of the general effect of hearing loss.
A survey carried out by AARP found that quality of life is more seriously impacted by hearing loss than:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Stroke
There are lots 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 suffer from hearing loss avoid getting help because they think that there is a stigma attached to hearing loss, according to researchers. If others find out they have hearing loss, people fear they will be treated differently. It doesn’t matter how old they are, this perception can distort the way they view themselves.
Many Other People Also Have Hearing Loss
Though it can affect people of every age, it is true that as lifespans get longer there are more instances of hearing loss. The World Health Organization reports that there are more than 1.1 billion people, a lot of them young adults, at risk of hearing loss and the public perception that comes with it. One of the most widespread health issues facing young adults is, as a matter of fact, hearing loss. Persistent reluctance to get help continues even as the amount of people who have hearing loss grows. How does this affect one’s overall health?
How Is Hearing Loss Perceived?
A brand that labels a person as inferior is how sufferers of hearing loss feel and that is the actual meaning of stigma. The concern for many people who suffer from hearing loss is that they will seem less capable, older, and perhaps less healthy.
Historically, there is some foundation for this worry. A 2010 study found people were not as well accepted when they had hearing loss. But the data from this research is almost 10 years old. This perception is improving as hearing loss is becoming more prevalent. Sophisticated, stylish, and fun technology is now available that even has celebrities publicly wearing hearing aids. Also helping to change hearts and minds, research reveals that getting treatment may delay or prevent other health problems linked to aging such as cognitive decline and dementia. Despite this, many people still don’t get the treatment they really need.
Why Does It Matter?
It is simple to say that perception doesn’t matter, but if this anxiety is keeping you from getting help, understand that there are health repercussions for not getting treatment. An AARP survey found that more people consent to getting colonoscopies than hearing tests. Not recognizing 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
These physical consequences of not dealing with your hearing loss will impact your overall health;
Fatigue
In life, everything is more difficult if you are struggling to hear. It’s challenging to try to hear conversations and everyday sounds. Because you can’t hear oncoming traffic or that person coming up behind you, you have to put more work into staying safe as well. All the extra work you put into everyday tasks will lead to chronic fatigue.
Migraines
You can suffer from headaches and migraines if you have too much anxiety and stress. You might not recognize there is a connection, but studies have demonstrated a link between migraines and certain types 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 make your head hurt.
Mental Health
You could also face mental health problems as a consequence of your untreated hearing loss such as depression and social anxiety. Loss of hearing could increase social isolation and has even been connected to dementia. Moodiness and reduced energy levels go along with these other challenges.
It is Possible to Surmount The Negative Perception of Hearing Loss
Seeking help is the step one to overcoming these negative perceptions. It is possible to treat hearing loss. Your only causing your own hardship by not seeking treatment.
You also could be stressing over nothing because not all hearing loss is permanent. common earwax buildup can cause loss of hearing, but you won’t know for sure unless you schedule an appointment to have your hearing checked.
Make sure you do something about it if you find out that you do have hearing loss. You can get hearing aids in all shapes and sizes these days. More inconspicuous styles are available if you are worried about people finding out you have hearing loss.
Most importantly, show everyone that you have lots of confidence despite your hearing loss. You can 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 in this way. 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. So see a hearing professional for a hearing test right away.
