The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss

People of all ages are susceptible to hearing loss, although it is frequently disregarded or ignored. While hearing loss can be treated or at least supported no matter where you are on the spectrum, it’s hard for people to admit they need that kind of support.

The truth is that hearing loss can have repercussions on a person’s general health and well-being. Many people mistakenly believe that hearing loss is just a nuisance that can be easily controlled with a hearing aid, but of course, the reality is more nuanced.

In this post, we’ll discuss the hidden risks of hearing loss, and hopefully encourage anyone interested to visit an appropriate audiologist to find a resolution to their questions. 

How Can Hearing Loss Occur?

A person with hearing loss, commonly referred to as hearing impairment, has trouble hearing noise in their environment. This can be mild, where a person has trouble hearing very faint sounds or will lose out on their sensitivity to certain frequencies as they age or severe, where a person is completely deaf.

Genetics, aging, exposure to loud noises, certain medications and medical issues can all contribute to the problem. Most likely, a combination of factors could be at play.

What Are the Risks of Undiagnosed Hearing Loss?

Unfortunately, hearing lossAge-related Hearing Loss Is Often Untreated is often undiagnosed until it tangibly affects someone’s quality of life. Due to communication difficulties and potential avoidance of social situations, people with hearing loss may become socially isolated without really understanding why. Additionally, it can cause problems at work because those who have hearing loss may find it difficult to follow directions, take part in meetings or feel dynamic and capable in the general social environment.

However, the dangers of untreated hearing loss extend beyond merely problems at work and in social situations. According to studies, hearing loss can make people more likely to fall, particularly older people. Hearing loss is also sometimes linked to balance issues, as damage to the inner ear can be a real problem; and this is possible when experiencing an ear infection.

Someone with hearing loss may be unable to hear warning signs like a car honking or someone trying to get their attention, which could damage their ability to navigate their environment in a safe manner. Additionally, hearing loss has been associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Does Hearing Loss Affect Your Cardiovascular Health at All?

The potential negative effects of hearing loss on cardiovascular health are another set of risks to be aware of. Some studies show those who have hearing loss are more susceptible to cardiovascular issues including high blood pressure. This may be due to the fact that having a hearing impairment can generate stress and frustration as a result of communication difficulties and a sense of being disconnected from peers.

Additionally, due to social isolation, people with hearing loss may be more sedentary and may have a poorer diet. This has been related to an increased risk of acquiring diabetes, which in turn can affect health.

Of course, those with full hearing loss, such as complete deafness, can learn to sustain friendships and daily activities, but because they have a treatment plan they learn methods to move forward. Without that knowledge, it can be hard to cope.

What Are My Options for Treating Hearing Loss?

If you are told you have hearing loss, you have a variety of treatment options available to you. A hearing aid, a small device that amplifies sounds and can help persons with hearing loss hear more clearly, is the most frequent treatment for hearing loss. Some of these have useful features like Bluetooth connectivity.

Your audiologist can assist you in selecting the hearing aid that is most appropriate for your needs out of the several varieties of hearing aids that are available, such as behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE) or in-the-canal (ITC).

A cochlear implant is a tiny device that is surgically inserted in the ear and can help patients with severe hearing loss hear sounds. It is another option for treating hearing loss cochlear implants can be a very effective therapeutic option for some persons with severe hearing loss, but they are not appropriate for everyone and need surgery and a period of recovery to use effectively.

What Should I Do If I Think I Have Hearing Loss?

Visit an audiologist as soon as you can. They will be able to run a thorough and unintrusive examination to identify the scope of your hearing loss, and if this is abnormal compared to the average person of your age. Please contact the best Professional Hearing Aid Associates at (785) 940-4101. We’d love to speak to you today!