It is normal for people to disregard hearing loss as a typical part of aging, similar to requiring bifocals or finding a couple of gray hairs. But new studies suggests it’s a lot more prevalent. A study from Duke-NUS Medical School revealed a strong association between untreated hearing loss and reduced mortality in older adults.
Elderly individuals experiencing hearing or visual difficulties are more vulnerable to developing depression, feeling disconnected from others, and facing challenges with mental processing and memory. What’s surprising is that neglected hearing loss may actually shorten your lifespan. The dangers significantly rise when hearing loss is combined with additional sensory impairments, like impaired vision.
The research revealed that people with both hearing and vision loss are nearly twice as likely to have difficulty with daily tasks such as bathing, cooking, or handling medications, resulting in major declines in independence and quality of life.
The link between hearing loss and diminishing general health
The link between hearing loss and other medical conditions isn’t just a coincidence.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins discovered that older adults with hearing loss are more likely to encounter:
- High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
- Greater chance of suffering a stroke
- Higher rates of smoking or bad lifestyle habits
- Mental decline, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
This is likely due in part to how blood circulation impacts hearing. The proper functioning of the inner ear relies on having an adequet supply of blood. If the flow of blood is restricted due to conditions like high blood pressure or smoking, it can negatively impact your hearing. In fact, some people hear a whooshing or pulsing sound in their ears, which can be a sign of vascular problems.
In addition to impacting your ears, hearing loss also puts a strain on your brain. When sound signals are vague, your brain must use more effort to decipher and comprehend spoken language. Exerting additional mental energy can impede your brain’s capacity to absorb and store knowledge, potentially accelerating mental decline.
The emotional and social cost of hearing loss
Apart from its physical consequences, neglecting to address hearing loss can also have a profound impact on your mental health. Many people with hearing difficulties start to withdraw socially because it becomes harder and more frustrating to participate in conversations. This solitude frequently results in:
- Isolation and decreased social interaction
- Increased risk of depression and anxiety
- A deterioration in mental and emotional health
The effects can accumulate gradually, leading to a decline in both cognitive and physical wellness.
Strategy to enhance your hearing and boost your wellbeing
The good news is that hearing impairment is treatable, and catching 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 identify any problems before they worsen.
- Think about Modern options like hearing aid, they are sleek, technologically advanced, and remarkably proficient at reducing distractions from outside sounds.
- Boost your nutrients. Key vitamins and minerals, like iron, B12, and folate play a crucial role in preserving healthy hearing. Get advice from a personalized healthcare professional or licensed dietitian.
- Deal with underlying health conditions– Treating cardiovascular problems or anemia can also help preserve hearing.
Take control of your hearing health today
Hearing loss doesn’t have to control your life– or shorten it. Detecting and addressing hearing loss early can result in successful treatment, enhancing not only your ability to hear but also positively impacting your emotional health, cognitive function, and overall lifespan.
If you’ve started to observe a decline in your discussions, it’s important to take action right away. Taking the time to get a hearing test can have a significant and long-lasting impact on your general health and quality of life.
Contact us today to schedule a hearing exam and get on the path to better health.