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

Inability to hear is not the only effect of hearing loss, it can also have a profound impact on your overall life. Having trouble carrying out daily activities, and strained relationships are examples of the overall effect of loss of hearing.

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

• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Obesity
• Stroke

Despite the fact that it has a negative impact on their lives, a lot of people who have hearing loss don't get treatment. A lot of people who suffer from loss of hearing shun 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 fear they will be treated differently. This perception can distort how they view themselves whether they are young or old.

It's Not Only You

As lifespans get longer, hearing loss has become more commonplace, in spite of the fact that it can impact people of all ages, The World Health Organization reports that there are more than 1.1 billion people, many of them young adults, at risk of hearing loss and the perceived perception that comes with it. As a matter of fact, hearing loss is one of the most widespread health issues adults face. Even as the amount of people who suffer from hearing loss keeps increasing, the resistance to getting help for hearing loss seems to persist. What is the effect on overall health?

How Is Hearing Loss Viewed?

A brand that marks someone as inferior is how people with hearing loss feel and that is the very meaning of stigma. Feeling older, less healthy, and less able are worries that a lot of people with hearing loss have.

Historically, there is some basis for this concern. A 2010 study found when people suffer from hearing loss they were not as well accepted. But the data from this research is nearly 10 years old. As hearing loss becomes more common, this perception is improving. Sophisticated, stylish, and fun technology is currently available that even has celebrities publicly wearing hearing aids. Other health issues relating to aging, such as cognitive decline and dementia may be delayed or even prevented by getting treatment, according to research. This is also helping to improve the perception. Some people still won't get help in spite of this research.

What Difference Does it Make?

It is simple to say that perception doesn't matter, but if this worry is keeping you from getting help, recognize that there are health repercussions for not getting treatment. An AARP survey found that more people consent to getting colonoscopies than hearing tests. Not acknowledging your hearing loss, not getting a hearing exam and seeking treatment will take a physical toll, particularly over time.

Consequences of Undiagnosed or Untreated Hearing Loss

Your overall health will be affected by these physical consequences;

Fatigue

In life, everything is more challenging when you are struggling to hear. It's challenging to try to hear conversations and common sounds. You have to put more effort into keeping safe, as well, because you can't hear that car or truck coming or someone walking behind you. You will become chronically fatigued simply by trying to hear everyday sounds.

Common Headaches and Migraines

Stress and anxiety can cause migraines and other types of headaches. You might not recognize there is a connection, but studies have demonstrated a link between migraines and certain kinds of hearing loss. Even if you don't normally get migraines, your brain has to make up for what you can't hear, and that effort can make your head hurt.

Mental Health

You could possibly also be facing mental health concerns as a consequence of your untreated hearing loss such as depression and social anxiety. Social isolation is worse when you have hearing loss and it can also lead to dementia. You will have less energy and will be moodier if you have these other issues.

The Negative Perception of Hearing Loss Can be Overcome

Taking the first step and get help if you want to overcome these negative perceptions. If you are losing your hearing, it is treatable. Your only causing your own hardship by not seeking help.

You also could be stressing out for no reason because not all hearing loss is permanent. You can't be sure what the problem is unless you make an appointment to get a hearing exam. It could be as simple as earwax buildup.

Make sure you deal with it if it turns out that you do have hearing loss. There are many style options now. Less conspicuous styles are available if you are concerned about people knowing you have hearing loss.

Most importantly, show everyone that you have lots of confidence in spite of your hearing loss. Put on your hearing aids and show people you are just as active, happy, and involved as anyone. Everyone who experiences hearing loss will also be helped by your actions. 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. Make an appointment to have a hearing test today.