Hearing loss can take years to build up, and people may not notice that they are losing their hearing because it happens slowly. This article discusses some of the many negative consequences that happen when you do not treat your hearing loss. The sense of hearing is one of our most basic senses. When hearing declines, people often miss out on important moments and messages. Their world becomes narrow because they can only hear a few sounds. They might start to feel depressed and anxious as a result.
A study found that people over the age of 50 who do not treat their loss are at a higher risk for psychological problems. They are more likely to be withdrawn and socially isolated, as well as have anxiety, paranoia, and depression. It’s also hard for them because they might feel embarrassed or distressed about it. This affects their mental health in a negative way.
People with hearing impairment can experience a decline in intellectual abilities, especially when it comes to memory and the ability to think. People with hearing loss appear to have an intellectual decline that is 30% – 40% greater than those with normal hearing. This also depends on how severe their hearing impairment is. People who are more severely impaired seemed to suffer from an earlier cognitive decline than those without any impairment.
Listening fatigue is the tiredness that results from the strain caused by extended periods of energy required in order to listen effectively. Without proper hearing treatment it can lead to mental exhaustion and increased stress.
A survey done by the Better Hearing Institute found that people with hearing loss earn $12,000 less a year than those with normal hearing. People who have hearing loss may have trouble communicating which can lead to a reduction in their productivity. This might also mean they don’t get promoted.
A major concern for people with hearing loss is that they might not hear alarms and sirens. This is very unsafe because they might put themselves and their loved ones in danger. People who are hearing impaired also have an increased risk of falling. A study found that people with hearing loss were more likely to fall down than those without it. Even if you only have mild hearing impairment, you are 3 times as likely to have fallen before compared to someone who doesn’t have it at all!
Hearing impairment is not just physical, it also affects people’s social life, their emotional health, and their cognitive abilities. The good news is that hearing loss can be corrected. Hearing devices can help make sounds louder AND easier to understand. Be sure and talk to your hearing specialist about your hearing loss and how they can help.