It is common for people to dismiss hearing loss as a typical aspect of getting older, similar to requiring bifocals or finding a couple of gray hairs. But recent studies suggests it’s far more prevalent. A study from Duke-NUS Medical School found a strong correlation between untreated hearing loss and decreased life expectancy in older adults.
Elderly individuals experiencing hearing or visual difficulties are more vulnerable to suffering from depression, feeling isolated from others, and facing challenges with mental processing and memory. A startling fact is that failing to address hearing loss can potentially cut years off your lifespan. The dangers substantially escalate when hearing loss is paired with additional sensory impairments, like impaired vision.
Research data indicate that individuals who deal with dual sensory impairments, impacting both their hearing and vision, face significantly greater challenges in performing daily activities such as personal care, meal planning, and medication management, causing significant losses of freedom and total well-being.
Why hearing loss is connected to weak general health
There is a significant connection between hearing loss and various other health conditions that surpasses coincidence.
A study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins revealed that seniors who suffer from hearing impairments are at a greater danger of:
- Elevated blood pressure and heart-related conditions
- Increased risk of stroke
- Higher rates of smoking or bad lifestyle behaviors
- Mental decline, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
This is because hearing is impacted by blood circulation to some degree. The inner ear relies on a strong supply of blood to function. When blood vessels are contracted by high blood pressure or smoking, for instance, your hearing may suffer. Indeed, some people might hear a rushing or throbbing noise inside their ears, indicating potential problems with blood vessels.
Hearing loss also taxes the brain. When your ears are unable to clearly detect sounds, your brain needs to work overtime to translate speech. Exerting extra mental energy can impede your brain’s capacity to absorb and store knowledge, potentially accelerating mental deterioration.
The emotional and social toll of hearing loss
Apart from its physical consequences, failing to address hearing loss can also have a pronounced influence on your mental well-being. People with hearing impairments frequently begin to separate themselves from social connections due to the increasing challenges and annoyances of taking part in discussions. This isolation often leads to:
- Solitude and reduced social activity
- Increased risk of depression and anxiety
- A deterioration in mental and emotional health
The effects can build up gradually, leading to a decline in both mental and physical well-being.
Simple steps to improve hearing and total health
Fortunately, hearing loss can be addressed with successful treatment options. strategies for Action:
- Schedule a hearing assessment– Even if you have minor symptoms, a test can pinpoint any issues before they get worse.
- Consider hearing aids– Today’s devices are discreet, Bluetooth-enabled, and highly effective at filtering background sounds.
- Improve your nutrition– Nutrients including iron, B12, and folate support hearing health. Get advice from a personalized healthcare professional or licensed dietitian.
- Regulating underlying medical problems, including heart conditions or anemia, can have a positive impact on hearing.
Take control of your hearing health today
Hearing loss doesn’t have to take over your life– or shorten it. Detecting and addressing hearing loss early can lead to successful treatment, enhancing not only your ability to hear but also positively affecting your emotional health, cognitive function, and general lifespan.
If you’ve started to notice a decline in your ability to communicate, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Taking the time to get a hearing test can have a significant and long-lasting effect on your total health and quality of life.
Contact us now to schedule a hearing exam and get on the path to better health.