The Impacts of Untreated Hearing Loss
If left untreated, hearing loss can cause severe social and emotional problems for an individual. Studies indicate that 17% of the adult population in the U.S. suffers from various forms of hearing difficulties caused by multiple issues. Sadly, only 20% of this population seeks early medical attention for their conditions since most tend to postpone treatment until they suffer serious hearing problems. Here are some consequences of failure to treat hearing loss.
Effects of Hearing Loss on Your Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
Occasionally, individuals postpone and ignore treating hearing loss because they assume that they can get along without treatment or using a hearing aid. Unfortunately, failure to tend to a hearing problem may result in the loss of the ability to hear, which eventually affects your mental, emotional, and physical health. Also, surveys indicate that individuals who have hearing loss but do not wear hearing aids experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
Effects of Untreated Hearing Loss on Your Social Life
Individuals with decreased hearing ability tend to experience social withdrawal and declined relationships with other people if the condition remains untreated. Furthermore, a survey of 1500 persons with hearing loss indicated that 44% of them admitted that their relationships with their friends, partners, and family were affected by their condition. Furthermore, reduced hearing leads to frustrations with most of the affected elderly individuals, which sets them apart from other people due to the perception that people get angry at them for no reason.
The Link Between Hearing Loss and Other Conditions
Research conducted by Johns Hopkins University identified a significant relationship between various degrees of hearing impairment with the possibility of developing dementia. Researchers found that if you have minor hearing loss, you are twice as likely to develop dementia. If you have a severe hearing impairment, you are five times more likely to suffer from dementia as compared to people with no hearing problems.
Untreated hearing loss often leads to social, physical, and emotional consequences on an individual and the people around them. At Associated Hearing Professionals, we provide a wide range of hearing solutions to patients suffering from various degrees and types of hearing loss. Also, we ensure that our patients receive instruments that go along with their budget and physical needs. Call us today to get in touch with a hearing professional.