Inability to hear is not the only effect of hearing loss, it can also have a powerful impact on your life. Having difficulty executing daily tasks, and strained relationships are examples of the overall effect of loss of hearing.

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

• Stroke
• Cancer
• Obesity
• Diabetes

Even though it gets in the way of their lives, a lot of people who have hearing loss refuse to get treatment. Lots of people with hearing loss avoid getting help because they think that there is a stigma associated with hearing loss, according to researchers. If others find out they suffer from hearing loss, people are afraid they will be treated differently. This perception can distort how they see themselves whether they are young or old.

Many Other People Also Have Hearing Loss

As lifespans get longer, hearing loss has become more prevalent, despite the fact that it can effect people of every age, The World Health Organization reports that there are more than 1.1 billion people, a lot of them young adults, at risk of hearing loss and the public perception that comes with it. In fact, hearing loss is one of the most common health issues adults face. The resistance to getting help persists even while the number of people with hearing loss grows. How does this affect one’s general health?

What is The Perception of Hearing Loss?

A brand that labels 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 a lot of people with hearing loss have.

Historically, there is some basis for this concern. A 2010 study revealed people were not as well accepted when they had hearing loss. But the data from this research is almost a decade old. This perception is improving as hearing loss becomes more commonplace. Celebrities visibly wear hearing aids and the technology is becoming more cutting edge, stylish, and fun. Research shows that some other age related health issues, such as dementia, could be slowed or even prevented by getting treatment. This is changing peoples mind about hearing loss and also their hearts. But still, in spite of changing perceptions, many people still are reluctant to get treatment.

Why Does It Matter?

There are health consequences for not seeking treatment, so don’t let your fear of negative perception keep you from getting help. More people get colonoscopies than hearing tests according to an AARP survey. Not recognizing your hearing loss, not getting a hearing examination and seeking treatment will take a physical toll, this is especially true over time.

Consequences of Undiagnosed or Untreated Hearing Loss

Not taking care of your hearing loss can have the following health repercussions;

Fatigue

In life, everything is more difficult when you are struggling to hear. Just attempting to hear conversations and common sounds is a difficult task. Because you can’t hear traffic or that person coming up behind you, you need to put more effort into keeping safe as well. All that additional energy you put into daily tasks will lead to chronic fatigue.

Migraines

Tension and anxiety can lead to migraines and other kinds of headaches. You might not realize there is a connection, but studies have revealed a link between migraines and some types of hearing loss. Your brain needs to make up 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

As a consequence of your untreated hearing loss, you may be facing mental health problems like depression and social anxiety. Hearing loss can lead to dementia and often causes social isolation. You will have less energy and will be moodier if you have these other challenges.

It is Possible to Overcome The Negative Perception of Hearing Loss

Overcoming these negative perceptions begins with seeking out help. It is possible to treat hearing loss. Your only causing your own suffering by not getting treatment.

There may not even be any cause to stress because not all loss of hearing is permanent. Simple earwax buildup can lead to hearing loss, but you can’t be sure unless you schedule an appointment to have a hearing test.

Knowing you have hearing loss is not enough, it’s important to do something about it. Nowadays hearing aids come in many shapes and sizes. If you don’t want others to know about your condition, then get a hearing aid that is less noticeable.

Most significantly, show everyone that you have lots of confidence in spite of your hearing loss. You can be just as active and healthy as anyone, so wear your hearing aids with confidence. Everyone who has 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 a medical condition, not a weakness. Make an appointment to have a hearing test today.