Your Overall Health Can be Affected by The Negative Perception of Hearing Loss

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 carrying out daily tasks, and strained relationships are some examples of the general effect of loss of hearing.

A study conducted by AARP found that quality of life is more seriously impacted by hearing loss than:

• Cancer
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Stroke

There are lots of people who don’t seek help with their hearing loss despite the fact that it gets in the way of their lifestyle. Many people who suffer from loss of hearing avoid getting help because they believe that there is a stigma attached to hearing loss, according to researchers. If others find out they have hearing loss, people are scared they will be treated differently. It doesn’t matter how old they are, this perception can alter the way they see themselves.

It’s Not Just You

Even though it can effect people of all ages, 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. One of the most widespread health issues facing young adults is, in fact, hearing loss. Persistent resistance to getting help continues even as the number of people who suffer from hearing loss increases. How does this affect one’s general health?

How Is Hearing Loss Perceived?

The story is pretty well illustrated by the actual definition of stigma, which is a brand that labels someone as inferior. Feeling older, less healthy, and less capable are worries that many with hearing loss have.

Historically, there is some basis for this worry. A 2010 study revealed when people suffer from hearing loss they were not as well accepted. But that study uses data nearly 10 years old. As hearing loss becomes more common, this perception is improving. Celebrities visibly wear hearing aids and the devices are becoming more cutting edge, stylish, and fun. Also helping to change hearts and minds, research shows that getting treatment may delay or prevent other health issues associated with aging such as cognitive decline and dementia. But still, in spite of changing perceptions, some people still hesitate to get treatment.

Does it Even Matter?

Don’t permit your anxiety about negative perception keep you from getting help or you may suffer long-term health consequences. An AARP survey revealed that more people agree to get colonoscopies than they do hearing tests. Not acknowledging your hearing loss, not getting a hearing exam and seeking treatment will take a physical toll, especially over time.

Consequences of Undiagnosed or Untreated Hearing Loss

Not dealing with your hearing loss can have the following health repercussions;

Fatigue

Struggling to hear makes just about everything in life harder. You have to work more than other people to hear conversations and sounds. You also have to be more careful to protect your safety because you can’t hear alert sounds or cars approaching. Just working hard to hear common sounds can lead to chronic fatigue.

Common Headaches and Migraines

You can suffer from headaches and migraines if you have too much fear and tension. You might not recognize there is a correlation, but studies have revealed a link between migraines and certain types of hearing loss. Your brain needs to compensate for the sounds you can’t hear, so even if you don’t normally suffer from migraines, the extra effort can make your headache.

Mental Health

Anxiety and depression are some mental health problems you could possibly also end up facing as a result of untreated loss of hearing. Hearing loss can increase social isolation and has even been connected to dementia. Moodiness and reduced energy levels go along with these other challenges.

The Negative Perception of Hearing Loss Can be Overcome

Conquering these negative perceptions starts with getting help. If you are losing your hearing, it is treatable. If you choose not to get help, you should recognize that you are the one who suffers.

You also could be stressing over nothing because not all hearing loss is permanent. Something as basic as earwax buildup might be the cause, but you won’t know for sure unless you schedule an appointment to get a hearing test.

Make sure you deal with it if it turns out that you do have hearing loss. Hearing aids come in many style options nowadays. If you don’t want others to know about your condition, then get a device that is less noticeable.

Above all, prove them wrong. 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 who have hearing loss will be improved if you act this way. Negative perceptions are social poisons so stay strong and raise awareness to change them.

Hearing loss is not a personal weakness it’s a medical condition. Make an appointment to have a hearing exam today.