Hearing loss, a common problem, can be caused by loudness, aging, sickness, and hereditary. Conversations with friends and family members can be challenging for those who suffer from hearing loss. Additionally, they can have trouble understanding expert help, responding to cautions, and hearing doorbells and sirens.

Nearly half of adults over 75 have hearing problems, and one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 have hearing loss. However, some people can be reluctant to admit they have hearing issues.

In this blog, we will take a look at the outcomes of what happens when hearing loss goes untreated. Moreover, apart from understanding the impact of untreated hearing loss, we will also take a look at a few other things related to hearing loss. Let us now go forth and check out the blog for more information about what happens if hearing loss is not treated.

Untreated Hearing Loss Warning Signs

Some folks don’t know they have a hearing issue. If any of the following applies to you:

• Have difficulty hearing on the phone.
• Having trouble keeping up with conversations where two or more people are speaking.
• Ask folks to repeat themselves frequently.
• Need to make the TV so loud so people can complain.
• Have auditory problems brought on by background sound.
• Imagine that others mumble a lot.
• Unable to comprehend what the ladies and children are saying to you.

Adapting to Hearing Loss

When you develop any indications of hearing problems, speak with a hearing consultant. In case of low hearing, you should:

• You should tell others that you have trouble hearing clearly before you start a conversation. This will help the other person be patient.
• Demand that others speak to you directly and compassionately.
• Keep an eye out for both spoken words and any actions or body language.
• Politely tell the other person in case you don’t understand what they said.
• Prior to trying it again, ask the presenter to restate the statement.
• Find a relaxing location to listen to it. Search for a calmer location to communicate and place yourself between the presenter and any loud devices.

The first crucial action you should take if you suspect you have a hearing issue is to consult a professional. Your primary care physician might be able to identify and handle your hearing issue. Your doctor might recommend an otolaryngologist (a doctor of the ears, nose, and throat) or a hearing care professional as two specialists that your doctor might recommend (a health professional who can understand and check hearing loss).

What happens if hearing loss is not treated?

1) Dementia and rapid cognitive decline

Over the past few decades, a great deal of research has been done on hearing loss and its consequences on the body and mind. According to some research, untreated hearing loss may hasten cognitive deterioration by 30 to 40 percent. According to the same research, those with only modest hearing loss may have double the risk of developing dementia throughout their lives as those with normal hearing.

2) Depression and Hearing Loss

A disproportionately high number of people with hearing impairments struggle with social isolation. They can experience several additional health issues as a result of it. Did you know that compared to just 5% of the general populace, 11% of those with hearing loss also experience depression?

The National Council on Aging has connected the dots and may have evidence that untreated hearing loss can have major repercussions and contribute to mental health problems including depression and anxiety.

Being deaf can be terrifying! It can be very upsetting and depressing to be unable to hear your favorite music or the voices of your friends and loved ones. The same goes for stressing out about a phone call from someone who doesn’t know you have a disability. When you can’t hear properly at work, you might worry that you’ll miss crucial information or get something wrong at a team meeting. It may all be quite distressing.

People who have hearing loss could be less aware of their surroundings in general. It’s simple to trip over something or run into people or items when one can’t hear effectively.

Additionally, hearing loss can impair spatial awareness, making it difficult or even impossible to discern the source of the noise. As a result, it is far more difficult for someone with hearing loss to determine where their body is in relation to nearby people or objects.

3) Kidney illness and hearing loss

Loss of hearing is frequently an indication of other problems. According to a study, people with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease frequently have hearing loss (CKD). In a recent study, people with CKD had a loss of hearing in over 30% of cases, compared to only 10% of healthy individuals.

There is frequently a connection between the two chronic conditions. The relationship can be addressed by the cells in the inner ear and kidney having comparable anatomical and operational characteristics. In addition, chemicals that build up due to kidney dysfunction can harm nerves, particularly inner ear nerves. Another explanation for this link is that renal illness and hearing loss are both predisposed to the same risk factors, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and advancing age.

4) Heart disease and hearing problems

You might be shocked to realize that paying close attention to your hearing is one way to safeguard your heart. According to a Harvard University study, patients with heart disease are 54 percent more likely to have hearing loss. The term “heart disease” describes several disorders that impair the heart’s and blood vessels’ abilities to operate. If any of these conditions is not addressed, they can all lead to heart attacks, chest discomfort, or strokes.

Conclusion

Every age group, including infants, adults, and senior citizens, might have hearing loss. Scheduling a consultation with a hearing specialist is the best approach to learning how to get assistance. Your hearing loss’s type and severity can be ascertained with their assistance. The hearing care specialist will let you know what happens when hearing loss goes untreated and then be able to recommend a particular model and kind of hearing aid that can start you on the path to a happier, more contented life.

Don’t wait another day if you believe you or a loved one has hearing loss. Make an appointment with a hearing healthcare professional at Tri-County Hearing Services in Florida to start down the path to better hearing.