Inability to hear is not the only effect of hearing loss, it can also have a profound impact on your life. Relationships can be stressed and daily tasks can be disrupted by hearing loss.

A study carried out by AARP found that neglected hearing loss had a greater effect on quality of life than:

• Cancer
• Stroke
• Obesity
• Diabetes

Even though it has a negative impact on their lifestyle, a lot of people who have hearing loss refuse to seek treatment. Lots of people who have hearing loss avoid getting help because they think that there is a stigma associated with hearing loss, according to researchers. People are worried they will be treated differently if others find out they are dealing with hearing loss. This perception can change how they see themselves whether they are young or old.

It’s Not Just You

Though it can effect people of every age group, it is true that as lifespans get longer there are more instances of hearing loss. The World Health Organization reports that over 1.1 billion people are at risk of hearing loss and the perceptions that come along with it, many of them young adults. Hearing loss is, in fact, one of a young adult’s biggest health threats. Even as the amount of people who suffer from hearing loss keeps growing, the resistance to getting help for hearing loss seems to persist. How is one’s general health affected?

How Is Hearing Loss Viewed?

The story is pretty much demonstrated by the very definition of stigma, which is a brand that marks a person as inferior. Feeling older, less healthy, and less able are worries 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 had hearing loss. But that research is based on data almost 10 years old. This perception is improving as hearing loss is becoming more prevalent. Sophisticated, stylish, and fun technology is currently available that even has celebrities publicly wearing hearing aids. Research reveals that some other age related health issues, 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 won’t get help in spite of this research.

Does it Even Matter?

It is easy to say that perception doesn’t matter, but if this worry is stopping you from seeking help, know that there are health consequences for not getting treatment. An AARP survey discovered that more people consent to getting colonoscopies than they do hearing tests. Not getting a hearing exam because you won’t acknowledge your hearing loss will impact your health as you get older.

Untreated Hearing Loss, What Are The Consequences?

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

Fatigue

In life, everything is more difficult if you are struggling to hear. Just attempting to hear conversations and normal sounds is a difficult task. Because you can’t hear oncoming traffic or that person walking up behind you, you need to put more effort into keeping safe too. All that extra energy you put into day-to-day tasks can lead to chronic fatigue.

Migraines

You can suffer from headaches and migraines if you have too much anxiety and stress. Studies have shown a link, though you might not have recognized there was a correlation, between certain forms of hearing loss and migraines. Your brain needs to make up for the sounds you can’t hear, so even if you don’t normally suffer from migraines, the constant effort can give you a headache.

Mental Health

As a consequence of your untreated hearing loss, you could face mental health concerns including depression and social anxiety. Hearing loss can lead to dementia and often results in social isolation. Moodiness and reduced energy levels go along with these other challenges.

It is Possible to Surmount The Negative Perception of Hearing Loss

Surmounting these negative perceptions starts with getting help. Hearing loss is treatable. If you choose not to get treatment, you should understand that you are the one who suffers.

Not all loss of hearing is irreversible, either, so you could be stressing for no reason. common earwax buildup can result in hearing loss, but you won’t know for sure unless you schedule an appointment to have a hearing test.

If it turns out you do have hearing loss, you need to deal with it. Hearing aids come in many shapes and sizes nowadays. If you don’t want others to know about your condition, then look for devices that are less visible.

Most importantly, show everyone that you have lots of confidence despite your hearing loss. Put on your hearing aids and let everyone know you are just as active, happy, and involved as anyone. Everyone who suffers from hearing loss will also be benefited by your actions. Negative perceptions are social poisons so stay strong and increase awareness to change them.

You don’t have to be less able if you have hearing loss, because it’s actually a medical condition. Make an appointment to have a hearing test today.