The loss of hearing can have a powerful impact on you, one that goes beyond the inability to hear things. Losing your hearing can get in the way of daily activities and can stress relationships.
A survey conducted by AARP found that quality of life is more seriously impacted by hearing loss than:
- Cancer
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Stroke
Hearing loss, when not treated, can definitely get in the way of your lifestyle, yet there are many who don’t seek help. Researchers have discovered that a lot of people suffering from hearing loss are still anxious about a perceived stigma attached to it. Being treated differently is one reason people who suffer from hearing loss are worried to let anyone know they can’t hear that well. It doesn’t matter how old they are, this perception can distort the way they see themselves.
Your Not The Only One
These days, people are living longer, so there are more individuals around with hearing loss, as well, even though it doesn’t only impact older people. The World Health Organization reports that over 1.1 billion people are in danger of hearing loss and the perceived perceptions that come along with it, many of them young adults. Hearing loss is, in fact, one of a young adult’s biggest health threats. Persistent resistance to getting help continues even while the number of people with hearing loss increases. How is one’s general health affected?
How Is Hearing Loss Viewed?
A brand that marks someone as inferior is how sufferers of hearing loss feel and that is the actual meaning of stigma. Feeling older, less healthy, and less able are concerns that many with hearing loss have.
Historically, there is some foundation for this concern. A 2010 study found when people have hearing loss they were not as well accepted. But the data from this research is nearly 10 years old. As hearing loss is becoming more widespread, this perception is changing. Hearing loss technology is becoming Stylish, fun, and sophisticated. Even celebrities are openly wearing hearing aids. Other health issues relating to aging, such as cognitive decline and dementia could be delayed or even prevented by getting treatment, according to research. This is also helping to improve the perception. In spite of this, many people still won’t get the assistance they really need.
Why Does It Matter?
There are health repercussions for not seeking treatment, so don’t allow your concern about negative perception keep you from seeking help. More people get colonoscopies than hearing tests according to an AARP survey. Not recognizing your hearing loss, not getting a hearing test and seeking treatment will take a physical toll, this is especially true over time.
Untreated Hearing Loss, What Are The Consequences?
These bodily consequences of not taking care of your hearing loss will impact your general health;
Fatigue
Struggling to hear makes just about everything in life more challenging. You have to work more than others to hear conversations and sounds. You also have to be extra careful to protect your safety because you can’t hear warning sounds or cars approaching. You can become chronically fatigued simply by trying to hear common sounds.
Migraines
You can suffer from headaches and migraines if you have too much fear and stress. You might not realize there is a correlation, but studies have revealed a link between migraines and certain kinds of hearing loss. The constant extra effort by your brain to compensate for what you can’t hear can cause your head to ache even if you don’t normally get migraines.
Mental Health
You could also face mental health concerns as a result of your untreated hearing loss such as depression and social anxiety. Hearing loss can lead to dementia and frequently results in social isolation. These troubles, in turn, often come with physical symptoms such as reduced energy levels or moodiness.
It is Possible to Overcome The Negative Perception of Hearing Loss
Taking the first step and get help if you want to overcome these negative perceptions. If you are losing your hearing, it is treatable. If you decide not to get help, you should recognize that you are the one who suffers.
There may not even be any reason to stress since not all hearing loss is permanent. Something as simple as earwax buildup may be the cause, but you won’t know for sure unless you make an appointment to get a hearing test.
If you find out you do have hearing loss, do something about it. Nowadays you can get hearing aids in many shapes and sizes. Less conspicuous styles are available if you are worried about people finding out you have hearing loss.
Finally, prove them wrong. You can be just as active and healthy as everyone else, so wear your hearing aids with self-confidence. Your attitude will change people’s perception not just of you, but of everyone else who suffers from hearing loss. Negative perceptions are social poisons so stay strong and increase awareness to change them.
Hearing loss is a medical condition, not a weakness. Make an appointment to have a hearing test today.