Hearing loss can have a profound effect on you, one that goes beyond just the inability to hear things. Losing your hearing can get in the way of daily activities and can strain relationships.
A survey conducted by AARP found that untreated hearing loss had a greater impact on quality of life than:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Stroke
- Cancer
Hearing loss, when not treated, can really get in the way of your lifestyle, yet there are many who don’t seek help. Researchers have found that many people experiencing hearing loss are still concerned about a perceived stigma attached to hearing loss. People are afraid they will be treated differently if others know they suffer from hearing loss. This perception can change how they see themselves whether they are eight or 80.
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It’s Not Just You
Today, people are living longer, so there are more individuals around with hearing loss, too, although it doesn’t just affect seniors. The World Health Organization reports that there are more than 1.1 billion people, many of them young adults, at risk for hearing loss and the public perception that comes with it. In fact, hearing loss is one of the most common health issues adults face. Even as the number of people with hearing loss continues to grow, the resistance to seeking help for hearing loss seems to persist. How does this affect overall health?
How Is Hearing Loss Perceived?
By definition, stigma means a brand that marks someone as inferior and that pretty much says it all. Many people with hearing loss are concerned they will seem older than they are, less healthy, or less able.
Historically, there is some basis for this concern. A 2010 study found people were not as well accepted when they had hearing loss. But that study is based on data nearly 10 years old. This perception is changing as hearing loss becomes more widespread, celebrities visibily wear hearing technology and the technology used to treat it becomes more sophisticated, stylish, and fun. Also helping to change hearts and minds, research indicates that getting treatment may delay or prevent other health issues associated with aging such as cognitive decline and dementia. And still, in spite of changing perceptions, some people still hesitate to get help.
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Why Does It Matter?
It is easy to say that perception doesn’t matter, but if this fear is preventing you from seeking help, know that there are health consequences to not getting treatment. The same AARP survey found that more people agree to get colonoscopies than they do hearing tests. Not acknowledging your hearing loss, not getting a hearing test and seeking treatment will take a physical toll, especially over time.
Consequences of Undiagnosed or Untreated Hearing Loss
There are physical consequences for not dealing with your hearing loss that will affect your overall health.
Fatigue
Struggling to hear makes pretty much everything about life harder. You have to work more than other people to hear conversations and sounds. You put more effort in staying safe, too, because you can’t hear that car coming or someone walking behind you. All the extra effort you put into day-to-day tasks can lead to chronic fatigue.
Migraines
Tension and anxiety can trigger migraines and other forms of headaches. You might not realize there is a connection, but studies have shown a link between migraines and certain kinds of hearing loss. Even if you’re not prone to 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 also face mental health concerns as a result of your untreated hearing loss such as depression and social anxiety. Hearing loss can increase social isolation and has even been linked to dementia. These issues, in turn, often come with physical symptoms like reduced energy levels or moodiness.
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Overcoming Negative Perceptions of Hearing Loss
Overcoming these negative perceptions starts with getting help. Hearing loss is treatable. Recognize that you are the one that suffers if you don’t get that treatment.
Not all hearing loss is permanent, either, so you could be stressing for no reason. Something as basic as earwax buildup might be the cause but you won’t know that unless you go to the doctor.
If it turns out you do have hearing loss, do something about it. Hearing aids come in all shapes and sizes these days. If you don’t want other people knowing about your condition, then look for devices that are less noticeable.
Finally, prove them wrong. Wear your hearing aids and show people you are just as active, happy and engaged as everyone else. Your attitude will change people’s perception not just of you, but of everyone who experiences hearing loss. Raise awareness and stay healthy by not giving in to negative perceptions.
Hearing loss is a medical condition, not a problem. Get your hearing tested today.