It is normal 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 new research suggests it’s a lot more prevalent. A study from Duke-NUS Medical School found a powerful association between untreated hearing loss and decreased life expectancy in older adults.
Elderly people experiencing hearing or visual difficulties are more vulnerable to suffering from depression, feeling disconnected from others, and facing challenges with mental processing and memory. A shocking fact is that failing to deal with hearing loss can potentially cut years off your lifespan. The risks increase substantially when hearing loss is combined with other sensory impairments, like poor vision.
Research findings indicate that individuals who deal with dual sensory impairments, affecting both their hearing and vision, face substantially greater challenges in performing everyday activities such as personal care, meal preparation, and medication management, causing significant losses of autonomy and total well-being.
The link between hearing loss and declining general health
The connection between hearing loss and other medical conditions isn’t just a coincidence.
A study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins showed that seniors who suffer from hearing issues are at an increased danger of:
- Elevated blood pressure and heart-related conditions
- Elevated risk of stroke
- Increased occurrence of smoking or unhealthy lifestyle behaviors
- Cognitive decline, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
This is because hearing is impacted by blood circulation to some degree. The effective functioning of the inner ear relies on having a sufficient supply of blood. If the flow of blood is reduced as a result of conditions like high blood pressure or smoking, it can adversely impact your hearing. As a matter of fact, some individuals experience a whooshing or pulsing sound in their ears, which can be a symptom of vascular problems.
In addition to impacting your ears, hearing loss also puts a strain on your brain. When sound signals are unclear, your brain needs to use more effort to translate and understand spoken language. This added effort may decrease your ability to process and retain information, increasing the danger of mental decline.
The emotional and social toll of hearing loss
In addition to the physical effects, neglected hearing loss can impact your emotional health. Many people with hearing problems begin to withdraw socially because it becomes harder and more frustrating to engage in conversations. This seclusion often leads to:
- Loneliness and decreased social activity
- Greater vulnerability to disorders and emotional stress
- A deterioration in psychological and emotional health
The effects can accumulate gradually, leading to a decline in both cognitive and physical well-being.
Strategy to improve your hearing and boost your wellbeing
Fortunately, hearing loss can be managed with effective treatment outcomes. Here’s what you can do:
- Schedule an appointment for a hearing assessment– It is important to get tested even for slight symptoms as this can detect any issues early on.
- Think about Contemporary options like hearing aid, they are compact, technologically advanced, and incredibly adept at reducing distractions from surrounding sounds.
- Improve your nutrition– Nutrients like iron, B12, and folate bolster hearing health. Consult your doctor or a nutritionist for guidance.
- Address existing health conditions– Treating cardiovascular problems or anemia can also help preserve hearing.
Take charge of your hearing health today
Hearing loss doesn’t have to take over your life– or shorten it. When detected and regulated early, hearing impairment can be managed effectively, improving not just your hearing but your emotional state, memory, and longevity.
If you’ve begun to observe a decline in your ability to communicate, it’s important to take action right away. A hearing evaluation is a basic measure that could have a long lasting effect on your health and well-being.
Reach out to us now to book an appointment for a hearing exam and start your journey towards improved well-being.