Hearing loss is often brushed off as a normal part of getting older, like requiring bifocals or observing a few gray hairs. However, recent studies suggest that its importance is greatly undervalued. Research conducted by Duke-NUS Medical School revealed a significant connection between unaddressed hearing impairments and a shorter lifespan among older individuals.
Elderly individuals experiencing hearing or visual difficulties are more susceptible to suffering from depression, feeling disconnected from others, and facing difficulties with mental processing and memory. A startling fact is that failing to address hearing loss can potentially cut years off your life. The risks increase substantially when hearing loss is coupled with other sensory impairments, like poor vision.
The research revealed that people with both hearing and vision loss are nearly two times as likely to struggle with daily activities such as bathing, cooking, or managing medications, resulting in major declines in self-reliance and quality of life.
Why hearing loss is linked to poor overall health
There is a significant link between hearing loss and various other health conditions that surpasses coincidence.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins discovered that older adults with hearing loss are more likely to experience:
- High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
- Increased danger of stroke
- Higher instances of smoking or poor lifestyle habits
- Mental decline, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
This is because hearing is impacted by blood circulation to some extent. The proper 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. Indeed, certain individuals might hear a rushing or throbbing noise inside their ears, indicating potential problems with blood vessels.
In addition to impacting your ears, hearing loss also puts a strain on your brain. When sound signals are vague, your brain must exert more effort to decipher and comprehend spoken language. This extra effort may reduce your ability to process and retain information, raising the danger of mental decline.
The emotional and social cost of hearing loss
Apart from its physical consequences, neglecting to manage hearing loss can also have a profound influence on your mental well-being. Individuals with hearing impairments often start to isolate themselves from social interactions as a result of the increasing challenges and annoyances of participating in discussions. This isolation often leads to:
- Solitude and decreased social activity
- Increased danger of depression and anxiety
- A deterioration in mental and emotional health
The effects can build up gradually, resulting in a decline in both cognitive and physical well-being.
Simple steps to improve hearing and overall health
Fortunately, hearing loss can be managed with successful treatment options. Here’s what you can do:
- Schedule a hearing assessment– Even if you have minor symptoms, a test can pinpoint any issues before they get worse.
- Consider 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. Get advice from a personalized healthcare professional or registered dietitian.
- Regulating underlying medical issues, 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 general longevity. Identifying and managing hearing loss promptly can lead to successful treatment, improving not only your ability to hear but also positively impacting your emotional health, mental function, and general lifespan.
If you’ve started to notice a decline in your discussions, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. A hearing examination is a basic step that could have a long lasting effect on your health and well-being.
Reach out to us now to schedule an appointment for a hearing evaluation and begin your journey towards improved health.