As we age, hearing loss is typically considered an inescapable fact of life. Many older Americans suffer from some type of hearing loss or tinnitus, which is a chronic ringing in the ears. But if it’s such an accepted condition, why is it that so many people won’t admit that they deal with loss of hearing?
A new study from Canada says that loss of hearing is experienced by more than half of Canadians, but that 77% of those people do not report any concerns. Some form of hearing loss is experienced by more than 48 million Americans and untreated. It’s debatable whether this denial is deliberate or not, but either way, hearing loss is neglected by a significant number of people – which, in the future, could result in substantial problems.
Why do Some Individuals Not Recognize They Suffer From Hearing Loss?
It’s a tricky question. It’s a slow process when someone loses their hearing, and some people may not even notice that they have a harder time hearing things or comprehending people than they once did. Or, more commonly, they may blame it on something else – the person they’re talking to is mumbling, the TV volume is too low, or background noise is too high. hearing loss can be blamed, unfortunately, on a number of things, and having a hearing test or getting checked out, normally, is not a person’s first instinct.
Conversely, there may be some people who know they’re suffering from hearing loss but won’t accept it. Another study conducted in the United States shows that lots of seniors flat out deny that they are suffering from a hearing problem. They do everything they can to cover up their issue, either because they don’t want to admit to having an issue or because of perceived stigmas surrounding hearing loss.
The trouble with both of these situations is that by denying or not recognizing you have a hearing problem you could actually be negatively influencing your overall health.
There Can be Extreme Consequences From Untreated Hearing Loss
It’s not just your ears that are impacted by hearing loss – heart disease and high blood pressure have also been linked to hearing loss and also anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline.
Research has revealed that individuals who have managed their hearing loss using cognitive therapy, diet changes and hearing aids have better overall health and longer life expectancy.
It’s important to identify the indications of hearing loss – problems carrying on conversations, turning up the volume on the radio or TV, or a lingering humming or ringing in your ears.
What Can be Done About Hearing Loss?
You can control your hearing loss using several treatments. Hearing aids are the form of treatment that is the most common, and you won’t experience the same kinds of issues that your grandparents or parents did because hearing aid technology has progressed appreciably. Hearing aids can now filter out background noise and wind, while also connecting wirelessly to devices like your TV, tablet, or radio.
A changing your diet could impact the health of your hearing if you suffer from anemia. Since anemia iron deficiency has been shown to cause hearing loss, people who suffer from tinnitus can be helped by consuming foods that are high in iron.
The foremost thing you can do, though, is to get your hearing checked routinely.
Are you worried you might have hearing issues? Schedule an appointment for a hearing examination.
