Daily Express

Why you must never ignore hearing loss...

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The vast majority of us suffer some degree of hearing loss as we get older. Many of us believe we just have to accept it as part of the ageing process, which is one of the reasons why it can take so long for people to seek help.

For some, the decline is so gradual that they don’t realise how bad their hearing has become. Others put off getting help because they fear the discomfort, look or hassle they associate with hearing aids.

But ignoring your hearing loss can have serious consequenc­es. For example, struggling to communicat­e with family, friends, colleagues and health profession­als can lead to isolation, low self-esteem and anxiety.

In their report, Hearing Matters, nationwide charity Action on Hearing Loss reveal that the risk of developing depression can double where hearing loss is present. The report also links hearing loss with cardiovasc­ular disease, diabetes, stroke and obesity.

Another study by The Lancet suggests that seeking effective treatment for your hearing loss could reduce the risk of dementia by as much as 9%.

Untreated hearing loss can lead to social withdrawal, too, as those who are hard of hearing often avoid challengin­g social situations, minimising brain stimulatio­n, and potentiall­y accelerati­ng the onset of dementia.

Hearmore UK offer free at-home hearing tests nationwide. Call them now on 0800 808 6451 . Appointmen­ts are usually available within 48-hours of your call.

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