Your overall life can be profoundly affected by hearing loss, in a way that goes beyond the inability to hear. Relationships can be strained 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:

• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Stroke
• Obesity

Despite the fact that it has a negative impact on their lives, many people who have hearing loss refuse to get treatment. Many people who have loss of hearing shun getting help because they believe that there is a stigma associated with hearing loss, according to researchers. People are afraid they will be treated differently if people find out they suffer from hearing loss. This perception can change how they view themselves whether they are young or old.

It’s Not Only You

Nowadays, people live longer, so there are more individuals around with hearing loss, too, even though it doesn’t just affect older people. The World Health Organization reports that over 1.1 billion people are in danger of hearing loss and the perceptions that come along with it, many of them young adults. One of the most common health concerns facing young adults is, in fact, hearing loss. Even as the amount of people who have hearing loss keeps growing, the resistance to getting assistance for hearing loss seems to persist. How is one’s overall health impacted?

How Is Hearing Loss Viewed?

The story is pretty much illustrated by the very definition of stigma, which is a brand that marks someone as inferior. Lots of people who suffer from hearing loss are worried they will come across as older than they actually are, less healthy, or less capable.

Historically, there is some foundation for this worry. A 2010 study found people were not as well accepted when they had hearing loss. But the data from this research is almost a decade old. As hearing loss is becoming more common, this perception is changing. Hearing loss technology is becoming Stylish, fun, and cutting edge. Even celebrities are visibly wearing hearing aids. Also helping to change hearts and minds, research indicates that getting treatment could delay or prevent other health issues connected to aging such as cognitive decline and dementia. But still, despite changing perceptions, some people still are reluctant to get treatment.

What Difference Does it Make?

There are health consequences for not getting treatment, so don’t permit your fear of negative perception keep you from getting help. An AARP survey found that more people consent to getting colonoscopies than hearing tests. Not getting a hearing test because you won’t recognize your hearing loss will impact your health as you get older.

Consequences of Undiagnosed or Untreated Hearing Loss

Your overall health will be affected by these physical consequences;

Fatigue

Everything in life is more challenging when you are working hard to hear. You have to work harder than others to hear conversations and sounds. You put more effort into staying safe, too, because you can’t hear that vehicle coming or someone walking behind you. Just working hard to hear common sounds can cause chronic fatigue.

Common Headaches and Migraines

You can suffer from headaches and migraines if you have too much fear and stress. Studies have shown a link, though you may not have realized there was a connection, between some forms of hearing loss and migraines. Your brain needs to compensate for what you can’t hear, so even if you’re not prone to migraines, the constant effort can give you a headache.

Mental Health

Anxiety and depression are some mental health issues you could possibly also end up facing as a result of untreated hearing loss. Social isolation is worse when you have hearing loss and it can also lead to dementia. Moodiness and reduced energy levels go along with these other issues.

Conquering Negative Perceptions of Hearing Loss

Taking the first step and get help if you want to overcome these negative perceptions. If you are losing your hearing, it’s probably a treatable condition. Understand that you are the one that suffers if you don’t get help.

Not all loss of hearing is irreversible, either, so you could be stressing for no reason. You can’t be sure what the problem is unless you make an appointment to get a hearing exam. It could be simple earwax buildup.

Recognizing you have hearing loss is not enough, you need to do something about it. There are many style options nowadays. If you don’t want other people to know about your hearing loss, then look for devices that are less noticeable.

Above all, prove them wrong. You can be just as active and healthy as everyone else, so wear your hearing aids with self-confidence. Everyone who suffers from hearing loss will also be benefited by your actions. Increase awareness and stay healthy by not giving in to negative perceptions.

You don’t have to be less capable if you have hearing loss, because it’s actually a medical condition. Get your hearing tested today.