Hearing loss is often disregarded as an ordinary part of aging, like needing bifocals or observing a few gray hairs. However, recent studies indicate that its value is considerably underestimated. A study from Duke-NUS Medical School found a strong correlation between untreated hearing loss and decreased mortality in older adults.
Seniors with hearing or vision problems are already known to be at greater risk for depression, isolation, and cognitive challenges. What’s surprising is that neglected hearing loss might actually reduce your lifespan. The risks dramatically escalate when hearing loss is paired with additional sensory impairments, like impaired vision.
Research findings indicate that people who deal with dual sensory impairments, affecting both their hearing and vision, face significantly greater obstacles in performing daily activities including personal care, meal preparation, and medication management, resulting in significant losses of freedom and overall well-being.
Why hearing loss is linked to poor overall health
The connection between hearing loss and other medical conditions isn’t just a coincidence.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that older adults with hearing impairment are more likely to experience:
- Elevated blood pressure and heart-related conditions
- Elevated risk of stroke
- Increased prevalence of smoking or unhealthy lifestyle behaviors
- Decrease in mental performance, including dementia and Alzheimer’s
This is because hearing is influenced by blood circulation to some extent. The inner ear depends on a healthy supply of blood to function. When blood vessels are contracted by high blood pressure or smoking, for instance, your hearing may suffer. Indeed, some people might hear a rushing or throbbing noise within their ears, indicating potential problems with blood vessels.
Hearing loss also taxes the brain. When your ears can’t clearly hear sounds, your brain needs to work harder to translate speech. This extra effort may reduce your ability to process and retain information, increasing the risk of mental decline.
The emotional and social toll of hearing loss
Apart from its physical implications, neglecting to address hearing loss can also have a profound influence on your mental health. Many individuals with hearing problems start to disengage socially because it becomes more difficult and more frustrating to engage in conversations. This solitude frequently results in:
- Solitude and reduced social activity
- Greater susceptibility to disorders and emotional stress
- A decline in mental and emotional well-being
These consequences can magnify over time, contributing to a downward spiral in both mental and physical health.
Strategy to improve your hearing and enhance your wellbeing
The good news is that hearing impairment is treatable, and dealing with it early makes a huge difference. strategies for Action:
- Schedule a hearing assessment– Even if you have minor symptoms, a test can pinpoint any problems before they get worse.
- Think about hearing aids– Today’s devices are unobtrusive, Bluetooth-enabled, and very effective at filtering background sounds.
- Improve your nutrition– Nutrients like iron, B12, and folate bolster hearing health. Consult your doctor or a nutritionist for assistance.
- Regulating underlying medical problems, such as heart conditions or anemia, can have a positive effect on hearing.
Start dealing with your hearing health now.
You don’t have to let hearing loss dictate your daily life or impact your overall longevity. Detecting and addressing hearing loss promptly can lead to successful treatment, improving not only your ability to hear but also positively impacting your emotional well-being, cognitive function, and overall lifespan.
If you’ve begun to observe a decline in your ability to communicate, it’s essential to take action right away. A hearing examination is a basic measure that could have a lasting impact on your health and well-being.
Contact us today to schedule a hearing exam and get on the road to better health.