Loss of hearing – it’s normally considered a fact of life as we age. Hearing loss is experienced by many older Americans and so is tinnitus or a ringing in the ears. But if a condition like this is so accepted, why is it that so many people won’t admit that they suffer from loss of hearing?
A new study from Canada reports that loss of hearing is experienced by over half of Canadians, but that 77% of those people don’t document any concerns. In the US, more than 48 million individuals have some type of hearing loss, but many do not attempt to address it. It’s debatable whether this denial is on purpose or not, but the fact remains that a considerable number of individuals allow their loss of hearing to go unchecked – which, later on, could bring about considerable problems.
Why is Loss of Hearing Missed by Some people?
It’s a tricky question. Loss of hearing is a slow process, and some people might not even recognize that they are having a more difficult time hearing things or understanding people than they used to. A lot of times they blame everybody else around them – they believe that everyone is mumbling, the TV volume is too low, or there’s too much background interference. hearing loss can be blamed, unfortunately, on quite a few things, and having a hearing test or getting checked out, usually, is not a person’s first instinct.
It also happens that some people just won’t admit that they have hearing loss. Another study conducted in the United States shows that many seniors who suffer from hearing problems flat out deny it. They hide their problem however they can, either because they don’t want to admit to having a problem or because of perceived stigmas associated with hearing loss.
The problem is, you could be negatively impacting your overall health by ignoring your hearing loss.
Neglected Hearing Loss Can Have a Catastrophic Impact
Hearing loss does not only impact your ears – it has been connected to various ailments such as anxiety, cognitive decline, and depression, and it can also be a sign of heart disease and high blood pressure.
Research has revealed that people who have treated their loss of hearing using cognitive therapy, changes of diet and hearing aids have better general health and longer life expectancy.
It’s crucial to identify the indications of hearing loss – trouble carrying on conversations, turning up the volume on the radio or TV, or a chronic ringing or humming in your ears.
What Can be Done About Hearing Loss?
You can get your hearing loss under control using a number of treatment options. Hearing aids are the type of treatment that is the most prevalent, and you won’t experience the same kinds of problems that your parents or grandparents did because hearing aid technology has advanced considerably. Hearing aids now have the ability to filter out background noise and wind, while also connecting wirelessly to devices like your radio, TV, or tablet.
A dietary changes may also have a positive impact on the health of your hearing if you suffer from anemia. Since anemia iron deficiency has been revealed to cause hearing loss, people who have tinnitus can be helped by consuming foods that are high in iron.
The most important thing you can do, though, is to have your hearing examined regularly.
Are you worried you may have hearing troubles? Make an appointment for a hearing examination.