If you’re not managing your symptoms properly, hearing loss can put you in the hospital. I know that seems like an exaggeration. Most people think of hearing loss as an inconvenience that makes it hard to hear the TV or what somebody is saying at worst
But the long-term health impacts of neglected hearing loss is beginning to get serious attention from researchers.
How is Your Health Related to Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss doesn’t, at first glance, seem like it has very much of a connection to other health concerns. But research carried out by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that neglected hearing loss can result in a 50% increase in hospital visits over time. The longer the hearing loss remains unmanaged, the more significant the health havoc get.
That’s a puzzling finding: what does hearing have to do with your general health? That question can have a complicated answer.
Hearing Health And Mental Health
Untreated hearing loss has been linked to numerous other health issues, like:
- Balance balance issues. Hearing loss can make it more difficult to keep your balance and maintain situational awareness.
- You start to lose your memory. As a matter of fact, your odds of getting dementia double with untreated hearing loss.
- Higher instance of depression and anxiety. Simply put, untreated hearing loss can increase depression and anxiety, which in turn can have a strong negative effect on your physical body, to say nothing of your mental health.
Hearing Aids: An effective Solution
There’s some good news though. The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School research suggests that up to 75% of the cognitive decline connected to hearing loss can be halted by one easy solution: using a hearing aid.
Wearing a hearing aid has a profound impact on mitigating the risks linked to untreated hearing loss. According to the research, people who used hearing aids for only two weeks saw:
- Balance and awareness improvements.
- Improvements in brain function.
- Reductions in severe brain injuries.
Over a period of roughly twenty years, Johns Hopkins accumulated and analyzed data from over 77,000 individuals. And a crucial part of maintaining your health lies in protecting your hearing which is a surprising outcome. Being sick usually costs money, so taking care of your hearing also safeguards your financial well being.
Caring For Your Health And Your Hearing
Hearing loss is not exclusive to the aging process but it is a part of it. Hearing loss can occur at any age as a result of occupational hazards, accidents, or diseases.
However or whenever you lose your hearing, it’s very important to address it. Otherwise, your health could be negatively impacted.