Hearing and Your Health
Hearing loss is frustrating for those who have it and for their loved ones. But did you know that untreated hearing loss is also linked to changes in cognitive function, walking problems and falling, depression, and prolonged hospitalizations.
When you have a hearing loss, it is easy to dismiss it as unimportant or not bad enough to matter. You learn to compensate by turning up the TV or avoiding noisy restaurants, or making sure you are facing people when the talk to you. However, we now have clear research based evidence of the impacts of untreated hearing loss, even if it is “only” mild on memory, cognitive function, and risk of falls, depression, and hospitalization.
There are also other common medical conditions, called comorbidities, that increase your risk of developing hearing loss and can cause it to progress faster. Any medical condition that affects your blood flow can affect your hearing in a negative way. This includes diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease, all of which are associated with an increased risk of hearing loss.
Those who have difficulty hearing can also experience a variety of unexpected consequences of the hearing loss such as:
- Avoidance or withdrawal from social situations
- Depression and loneliness
- Reduced alertness and increased risk to personal safety
- Impaired memory and ability to learn new tasks
- Irritability, negativity and anger
- Fatigue, tension, stress and depression
- Reduced job performance and earning power
- Diminished psychological well-being and overall health
- Higher risk of hospitalization and risk of readmission
If you’re 55 years or older and haven’t had your hearing tested recently, call to schedule your hearing evaluation. Better hearing health is possible, call today.