It is common for people to dismiss hearing loss as an ordinary aspect of aging, similar to requiring bifocals or finding a couple of gray hairs. But new studies suggests it’s far more prevalent. A study from Duke-NUS Medical School revealed a strong correlation between neglected hearing loss and decreased life expectancy in older adults.
Elderly people experiencing hearing or visual difficulties are more vulnerable to developing depression, feeling disconnected from others, and facing challenges with mental processing and memory. A shocking fact is that failing to address hearing loss can potentially cut years off your lifespan. The risks increase considerably when hearing loss is coupled with other sensory impairments, such as poor vision.
Research data indicate that people who experience dual sensory impairments, affecting both their hearing and vision, face substantially greater challenges in performing day-to-day activities such as personal care, meal planning, and medication management, causing significant losses of freedom and general well-being.
Why hearing loss is linked to poor general health
The link 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 proper functioning of the inner ear depends on having a sufficient supply of blood. If the flow of blood is restricted due to conditions like high blood pressure or smoking, it can negatively affect your hearing. Indeed, some individuals may hear a rushing or throbbing noise within their ears, indicating potential problems with blood vessels.
Hearing loss also strains the brain. When your ears can’t clearly detect sounds, your brain has to work harder to translate speech. Exerting added cognitive energy can impede your brain’s capacity to absorb and keep knowledge, potentially speeding up mental decline.
The emotional and social toll of hearing loss
In addition to the physical impacts, untreated hearing loss can impact your emotional health. Many people with hearing troubles begin to disengage socially because it becomes harder and more frustrating to participate in conversations. This solitude frequently results in:
- Seclusion and diminished social interaction
- Greater susceptibility to disorders and emotional stress
- A decline in cognitive and emotional well-being
The effects can accumulate gradually, resulting in a decline in both mental and physical well-being.
Strategy to enhance your hearing and boost your wellbeing
Luckily, hearing loss can be managed with successful treatment options. Here’s what you can do:
- Schedule an appointment for a hearing assessment– It is important to get tested even for minor symptoms as this can identify any issues early on.
- Think about hearing aids– Today’s devices are discreet, Bluetooth-enabled, and highly effective at filtering background sounds.
- Improve your nutrition– Nutrients including iron, B12, and folate bolster hearing health. Seek advice from a personalized healthcare professional or registered dietitian.
- Address underlying health conditions– Treating cardiovascular problems or anemia can also help maintain hearing.
Start managing your hearing health now.
You don’t have to let hearing loss dictate your daily life or effect your overall longevity. Detecting and addressing hearing loss early can result in successful treatment, enhancing not only your ability to hear but also positively affecting your emotional health, cognitive function, and overall lifespan.
If you’ve begun to observe a decline in your ability to communicate, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Taking the time to get a hearing assessment can have a profound and long-lasting effect on your total health and quality of life.
Contact us today to schedule a hearing test and get on the road to better health.