Your overall life can be significantly affected by hearing loss, in a way that goes beyond the inability to hear. Relationships can be stressed and day-to-day tasks can be disrupted by loss of hearing.

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

• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Stroke

There are a lot of people who don’t get help with their hearing loss despite the fact that it gets in the way of their lifestyle. A perceived stigma attached to loss of hearing is one reason why people who have hearing loss don’t get the help they need, say 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 distort the way they view themselves.

It’s Not Just You

As lifespans grow longer, hearing loss has become more prevalent, despite the fact that it can effect people of all ages, 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. As a matter of fact, hearing loss is one of the most common health issues adults face. Even as the amount of people who suffer from hearing loss keeps increasing, the resistance to seeking help for hearing loss appears to persist. How is one’s general health affected?

What is The Perception of Hearing Loss?

A brand that marks a person as inferior is how people with hearing loss feel and that is the 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 worry. A 2010 study revealed people were not as well accepted when they suffered from hearing loss. But the data from this research is almost 10 years old. This perception is improving as hearing loss is becoming more prevalent. Hearing loss technology is becoming Stylish, fun, and cutting edge. Even celebrities are publicly wearing hearing aids. Research demonstrates that some other age related health problems, such as dementia, may be slowed or even prevented by getting treatment. This is changing peoples mind about hearing loss and also their hearts. Some people still don’t get help despite this research.

Does it Even Matter?

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

Untreated Hearing Loss, What Are The Consequences?

These bodily consequences of not taking care of your hearing loss will impact your overall health;

Fatigue

In life, everything is more challenging if you are struggling to hear. You have to work harder than others to hear conversations and sounds. You put more effort into keeping safe, also, because you can’t hear that vehicle coming or someone walking up from behind you. You can become chronically fatigued just by trying to hear common sounds.

Common Headaches and Migraines

You can get headaches and migraines if you have too much fear and stress. You might not realize there is a connection, but studies have shown a link between migraines and certain kinds of hearing loss. Your brain needs to make up for what 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 concerns you could also end up facing as a result of untreated hearing loss. Social isolation is worse when you have hearing loss and it can also result in dementia. These issues, in turn, often come with physical symptoms like reduced energy levels or moodiness.

It is Possible to Overcome The Negative Perception of Hearing Loss

Getting help is the first step to overcoming these negative perceptions. Hearing loss is treatable. Your only creating your own hardship by not getting treatment.

There might not even be any reason to stress out because not all hearing loss is permanent. Simple earwax buildup can result in loss of hearing, but you won’t know for sure unless you schedule an appointment to have a hearing test.

Recognizing you have hearing loss is not enough, you need to take action. Nowadays hearing aids come in many shapes and sizes. Less conspicuous styles are available if you feel concerned about people knowing you have hearing loss.

You can prove everyone wrong if you handle your hearing loss in the right way. You should wear your hearing aids with confidence because when you can hear, you will be just as active and healthy as anyone else. Everyone who has hearing loss will also be helped by your actions. Negative perceptions are social poisons so be 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.