The Effects of Untreated Hearing Loss

Many people are aware they have hearing loss but find it difficult to seek help. On average, those who have been diagnosed with hearing loss wait seven years before getting treatment. The reasons for this delay vary; some feel frustrated, believing it to be a sign of aging, while others may not think their condition is severe or even realize they have a problem.

Unfortunately, leaving hearing loss untreated can lead to serious consequences. Recent studies highlight the social, psychological, cognitive, and health effects that can significantly impact your quality of life.

Emotional Effects of Untreated Hearing Loss

Untreated hearing loss has been linked to a number of emotional health conditions, including:

• Irritability, negativism, and anger
• Fatigue, tension, stress, and depression
• Avoidance or withdrawal from social situations
• Social rejection and loneliness
• Reduced alertness and increased risk to personal safety

When you have hearing loss, it can be difficult to follow conversations, especially in group settings. This can lead to social withdrawal from friends and family, which, over time, contributes to depression and anxiety. The thought of being in a work meeting or a large gathering with multiple conversations can cause significant anxiety.

Untreated Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline

In addition to emotional impacts, untreated hearing loss can also affect your cognitive health. When your ability to hear declines, your brain receives less stimulation because it is not actively working to identify different sounds and their nuances. Over time, this lack of exercise for your brain can lead to memory loss or even dementia.

Think of your brain like a muscle. If you consistently work out different parts of your body, you remain healthy overall. However, if you only focus on one area, other parts become weaker. This is how untreated hearing loss impacts your brain; the portion responsible for transmitting sound weakens, making memory loss more likely.

Benefits of Wearing a Hearing Aid

Treating your hearing loss is the first step toward a healthier, happier life. Wearing a hearing aid can enrich your life and reopen doors that may have closed for you. Other benefits include:

• Hearing your grandchild's first words
• Enjoying the sounds of nature again
• Feeling safer in cities and crowded environments
• Attending dinners and parties and being able to follow conversations

How to Get Help

Hearing loss is not specific to a certain age; it can affect everyone, from babies to adults and seniors. The best way to get help is to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist. They can determine the type and degree of hearing loss you have and suggest a type and style of hearing aid to help you begin living a happier, more fulfilled life.

If you or a loved one thinks you may have hearing loss, do not delay. Visit a hearing healthcare professional and take the first step toward a world of better hearing.