Most people think that hearing
loss is a condition that only affects their ears. In reality, untreated hearing
loss can affect so much more. There are now many researches that reveal
untreated hearing loss can have significant negative consequences on an
individual’s physical, mental and social health. Even though hearing impairment
can often be easily corrected, only a few take advantage of available
solutions. In this article, we will discuss the hidden dangers of untreated
hearing loss.
Increased Risk of Cognitive
Decline
Hearing loss causes cognitive load, which is the effect of constantly trying to understand speech. This actually stresses the brain. Brain imaging shows that older adults with hearing loss have less gray matter in the brain that receives and process sounds from the ears. Researchers report that the more severe the hearing impairment, the greater the risk of developing dementia.
Withdrawal from Social Activities
Frustrations with the
inability to hear and understand conversations can frequently cause individual
to avoid restaurants, meeting or other social gatherings. Relationships with
friends, families and loved ones also can also be adversely affected when
individuals experience a decrease in their willingness to socialize or engage
in conversation when they consistently fail to hear and understand others’
speech properly.
High Level of Fatigue
People with hearing loss report a higher level of fatigue, both physically and emotionally. This is because, due to the hearing impairment they have to be extra focused on other senses to stay alert. This extra work, will make them wear themselves down to keep up with their friends and colleagues. This situation can lead to chronic fatigue, anxiety and even depression in certain individuals.
Reduced Work Performance & Lower Income
For people who are still in the workforce, hearing loss can also be associated with reduced job performance and lower income. Untreated hearing loss can significantly affect an individual’s ability to do his / her work efficiently. As an instance, this individual will face difficulties in capturing all the details in meeting, and keeping up with the clients and co-workers. This situation can cause people to miss opportunities in their career, whether directly or indirectly.
Developmental Consequences
Last but not least, if hearing loss is left untreated in children, it can lead to developmental consequences. Children can be born with hearing loss (congenital). It can also develop some time after birth (acquired). Some of the parents may not notice that their child is having hearing loss. It is important for children to be diagnosed as early as possible to get proper treatment plan. A child with impaired hearing can have learning difficulties, low self-esteem and develop behavioral problems.
We can safely say, there are
many hidden dangers of untreated hearing loss. The path to treating hearing
loss for every person sometimes begins with a simple hearing assessment. Thus,
if you or someone you know is having hearing loss, please get an appointment for
a hearing test with an audiologist or hearing care professional.
InnoHear Hotline: +6017 638 7247
#innohear #sedardengar #premiumhearingaidsmadeaffordable
REFERENCES
1. Lin FR, Thorpe R,
Gordon-Salant S, Ferrucci L. Hearing loss prevalence and risk factors among
older adults in the United States. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci.
2011;66A(5):582-590.
2. http://familyaudiologyonline.com/resources/hidden-consequences/
No comments:
Post a Comment