Hearing loss – it’s generally thought to be a given as we age. Lots of older Americans suffer from some form of hearing loss or tinnitus, which is a persistent ringing in the ears. But if it’s such an accepted condition, why do so many people deny that they have loss of hearing?
A new study from Canada reports that hearing loss is experienced by more than half of Canadians, but that 77% of those individuals do not report any issues. Some type of hearing loss is experienced by over 48 million Americans and goes un-addressed. It’s up for debate whether this denial is deliberate or not, but the fact remains that a considerable number of people let their hearing loss go unchecked – which could result in substantial issues down the road.
Why is Loss of Hearing Not Recognized by Some people?
It’s a tricky question. It’s a gradual process when someone loses their hearing, and some people may not even recognize that they have a more difficult time hearing things or comprehending people than they used to. A lot of times they blame everyone else around them – they believe everyone is mumbling, volumes aren’t turned up loud enough, or background noise is too high. hearing loss can be blamed, unfortunately, on quite a few things, and having a hearing exam or getting checked out, normally, is not a person’s first instinct.
Conversely, there may be some people who know they’re suffering from hearing loss but won’t accept it. Another study conducted in the United States shows that lots of seniors flat out deny that they are suffering from a hearing problem. They do what they can to hide their problem, either because they don’t want to acknowledge an issue or because of perceived stigmas surrounding hearing loss.
The concern is, you may be negatively influencing your overall health by ignoring your hearing loss.
There Can be Serious Repercussions From Neglected Hearing Loss
Hearing loss does not exclusively affect your ears – high blood pressure and heart disease have also been connected to hearing loss along with anxiety, depression, and mental decline.
Research has demonstrated that people suffering from hearing loss normally have shorter life expectancy rates and their level of health is not as strong as others who have addressed their hearing loss using hearing aids, dietary changes, or cognitive behavioral treatment.
It’s necessary to acknowledge the indications of hearing loss – persistent ringing or humming in the ears, problems having conversations, needing to crank up the volume of your TV or radio.
How Can You Manage Hearing Loss?
You can get your hearing loss under control using a number of treatment options. Hearing aids are the type of treatment that is the most common, and you won’t experience the same kinds of problems that your grandparents or parents did because hearing aid tech has advanced considerably. Hearing aids can now filter out background noise and wind, while also wirelessly connecting to devices like your TV, tablet, or radio.
A dietary changes could affect your hearing health if you suffer from anemia. Since anemia iron deficiency has been demonstrated to cause hearing loss, people who suffer from tinnitus can be helped by eating foods that are high in iron.
Having your hearing checked regularly, however, is the most significant thing you can do.
Are you worried you might have hearing troubles? Visit us and get screened.