For most individuals, hearing loss is a daunting topic, and they have no idea where to start researching. Many people know that hearing loss occurs when a part of the hearing system is no longer able to function appropriately. Once this happens, individuals start to struggle with communication and understanding, and that struggle is the most common reason that prompts people to seek assistance.
However, what most people don’t know is that there are other health effects of hearing loss. These effects can include impacts on physical, mental, and social health. Today’s article will talk about some of those effects and what can be done to help lessen their impact on your day-to-day life.
Hearing Loss Affects Your Physical Health
When it comes to physical health, there are a few things to keep in mind. The biggest correlation is actually with other physical health effects and how they impact your hearing.
When we have a big physical health change, whether that be a new illness, a change in overall health, or a mix of both, our ears can react to those changes. Even though we think of hearing as a separate process, our ears interact with the rest of our body.
Individuals with diabetes, those who undergo cancer treatment, or those who have long-term kidney concerns are all individuals who may be more likely to experience hearing loss.
Additionally, when it comes to poor hearing, particularly if one ear feels like it hears better than the other, some people can experience a sense of imbalance. When we have that imbalance, we are more likely to fall or be unable to locate sounds easily in our surroundings. If a large life change occurs and you notice a hearing change, we recommend you seek out a hearing test once your health is stable!
Hearing Loss’s Effects on Your Mental Health
There are multiple mental health-related effects that can occur as a result of hearing loss, particularly if the loss is not treated for a long period of time.
First, fatigue can occur very easily from untreated hearing loss. We describe it as constantly playing a listening game where you know some of the letters/sounds but have to fill in the blanks. Over time, this can become very tiring for the individual. This fatigue can make people irritable and make them feel that communication is no longer worth the energy it requires, and the resulting isolation can ultimately lead to depression.
If a hearing loss remains untreated for many years, it can increase the risk of developing hearing-related cognitive decline. All of these concerns can easily be mitigated by wearing appropriate amplification for the individual’s loss, as it lessens the energy needed for listening.
Social Isolation and Hearing Loss
As mentioned above, as individuals find it harder and harder to communicate, they are more likely to withdraw from social situations. Many people pull away from large social gatherings initially, but this can quickly lead to individuals only wanting to participate in one-on-one conversations in environments they have full control over.
This can lead to a feeling of social isolation and decrease an individual’s confidence in general communication and socialization. These decreases in confidence can cause one to be socially isolated and refuse communication, which add to the patient’s feeling of loneliness.
Concerned About Your Hearing?
Hearing loss can have a variety of effects on our physical, mental, and social health.
One of the best things we can do is identify and treat hearing loss early.
The easiest way to do that is regular evaluations, particularly if you notice a change in hearing. Identifying a hearing loss and pursuing amplification can drastically improve an individual’s mental, physical, and social health outcomes.
If you or someone you know is starting to notice one or more of these situations, feel free to contact your local audiologist and they will be more than happy to guide you on this journey.
