It is common for individuals to dismiss hearing loss as an ordinary aspect of getting older, similar to requiring bifocals or finding a couple of gray hairs. But new studies suggests it’s a lot more significant. A study from Duke-NUS Medical School found a powerful association between neglected hearing loss and reduced life expectancy in older adults.
Elderly people experiencing hearing or visual difficulties are more susceptible to developing depression, feeling disconnected from others, and facing challenges with mental processing and memory. A shocking fact is that failing to address hearing loss can potentially cut years off your lifespan. The dangers substantially escalate when hearing loss is combined with additional sensory impairments, like impaired vision.
Research findings indicate that people who deal with dual sensory impairments, impacting both their hearing and vision, face significantly greater challenges in performing everyday activities including personal care, meal preparation, and medication management, causing significant losses of freedom and overall well-being.
The link between hearing loss and declining general wellness
There is a significant connection between hearing loss and various other health conditions that surpasses coincidence.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins discovered that older adults with hearing impairment are more likely to experience:
- High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
- Greater chance of suffering a stroke
- Increased occurrence of smoking or unhealthy lifestyle behaviors
- Decrease in mental functioning, including dementia and Alzheimer’s
This is probably due in part to how blood circulation affects hearing. The inner ear relies on a strong supply of blood to function. When blood vessels are narrowed by high blood pressure or smoking, for instance, your hearing might suffer. As a matter of fact, some people experience a whooshing or pulsing sound in their ears, which can be a sign of vascular problems.
Hearing loss also taxes the brain. When your ears can’t clearly hear sounds, your brain has to work harder to interpret speech. This extra effort might reduce your ability to process and retain information, raising the risk of mental decline.
The repercussion of hearing loss on emotions and social interactions
In addition to the physical effects, neglected hearing loss can impact your emotional wellness. Many individuals with hearing troubles begin to withdraw socially because it becomes more difficult and more frustrating to participate in conversations. This solitude frequently results in:
- Loneliness and decreased social activity
- Increased risk of depression and anxiety
- A decline in mental and emotional well-being
These consequences can compound over time, contributing to a downward spiral in both cognitive and physical health.
Simple steps to improve hearing and total health
The good news is that hearing loss is treatable, and dealing with it early makes a big difference. Here’s what you can do:
- Schedule a hearing assessment– Even if you have mild symptoms, a test can pinpoint any problems before they worsen.
- Think about hearing aids– Today’s devices are unobtrusive, Bluetooth-enabled, and highly effective at filtering background noise.
- Improve your nutrition– Nutrients including iron, B12, and folate support hearing health. Speak with your doctor or a nutritionist for guidance.
- Managing underlying medical problems, such as heart conditions or anemia, can have a positive impact on hearing.
Start managing your hearing health now.
Hearing loss doesn’t have to take over your life– or shorten it. Detecting and addressing hearing loss promptly can lead to successful treatment, improving not only your ability to hear but also positively affecting your emotional well-being, cognitive function, and general lifespan.
If you’ve begun to observe a decline in your discussions, it’s important to take action right away. A hearing assessment is a simple measure that could have a lasting effect on your health and well-being.
Contact us now to schedule a hearing test and get on the road to better health.