The importance of hearing health

Hearing loss is a hidden disability and is usually gradual and progressive, worsening over time, it tends to be minimized or ignored by those who have it. Unfortunately, the average time that elapses prior to seeking treatment is seven to ten years.

There are health risks associated to hearing loss. Here are just five of them

1. Mental health

Many individuals with untreated hearing loss experience feelings of embarrassment and frustration. A person who can’t hear well might stop going to parties, socializing with friends or participating in hobbies or activities that they used to enjoy. That social isolation can then lead to feelings of loneliness and depression.

Irritability and anger are common, resulting from the inability to hear what others are saying. Fatigue is common as well. It can be exhausting trying to keep up with conversation if you can’t hear a good portion of what is being said. Poor emotional health resulting from untreated hearing loss can lead to stress, which can then lead to a decline in physical health.

2. Heart conditions

A healthy cardiovascular system means that there is adequate blood flow to the blood vessels of the inner ears; conversely, a poorly functioning cardiovascular system reduces blood flow to the inner ear, causing trauma to the blood vessels and leading to hearing loss.

Hearing loss causes stress. Stress leads to a process in the body known as vasoconstriction, or reduced blood flow and oxygen to vital organs including the heart. In addition, stress increases heart rate, damages blood vessels and raises blood pressure, all of which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

3. Cognitive decline

The decline in ability to process sound results in a reduced ability to understand speech. Hearing loss must be taken seriously, especially when it comes to dementia, because the brain begins to re-organize itself from the earliest stages of hearing loss.. Getting ahead of the decline through early intervention with hearing aids could prevent long term cognitive issues down the road.

4. Personal safety

It is vital to be able to hear what is going on around you when you are on the streets, whether as a driver, cyclist or pedestrian. Diminished hearing loss causes danger not only for you, but for those around you. And what about in the home? Imagine the danger involved in being unable to hear the smoke alarm, or even a weather alert from the television telling you to take shelter.

5. Maintaining balance

Falls are the leading cause of death among the elderly, especially for those over the age of 65. A recent study out of Johns Hopkins has determined that that even a mild hearing loss triples the risk of an accidental fall among the elderly. Whether falls result from too much brain capacity being used for hearing, leaving not enough energy left over for balance and walking safely, or whether hearing loss and a compromised vestibular system interferes with spatial awareness, the result is the same, a potentially dangerous fall.

Don’t wait seven to ten years. Call one of our 7 locations and schedule an appointment to see our Doctor of Audiology. Let us help you take care of your hearing health.