If you’re not treating your symptoms properly, hearing loss can put you in the hospital. I know that sounds like an exaggeration. Most individuals think of hearing loss as an inconvenience that makes it difficult to hear the TV or what somebody is saying at worst
But new research is ringing alarm bells about the long-term health effects of untreated hearing loss.
How is Your Health Linked to Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss doesn’t, at first glance, seem like it has much of a relationship with other health concerns. But research carried out by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals that neglected hearing loss can lead to a 50% increase in visits to the hospital over time. The possibility of serious health issues goes up the longer hearing loss goes untreated.
That seems like a curious finding: what does hearing have to do with your overall health? The answer is complicated.
Hearing Health And Mental Health
Untreated hearing loss has been linked to numerous other health problems, including:
- Higher instance of anxiety and depression. Simply put, untreated hearing loss can increase anxiety and depression, which will then have a powerfully negative impact on your physical body, to say nothing of your mental health.
- You begin to lose your memory. As a matter of fact, your odds of getting dementia is twice as high with untreated hearing loss.
- Balance problems. Hearing loss can make it more difficult to keep your balance and maintain situational focus.
Hearing Aids Really Help
There’s some good news though. The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School research suggests that up to 75% of hearing loss associated cognitive decline can be stopped in its tracks by one easy solution: using a hearing aid.
Wearing a hearing aid has a profound impact on putting an end to the dangers connected to neglected hearing loss. According to the study, people who used hearing aids for only two weeks saw:
- Reductions in traumatic brain injuries.
- Awareness and balance improvements.
- Brain function improvements.
Over a period of roughly two decades, Johns Hopkins accumulated and examined data from more than 77,000 people. And an essential part of maintaining your health lies in protecting your hearing which is a surprising outcome. Being sick can be costly, so caring for your hearing also protects your financial well being.
Preserving Your Hearing And Your Health
Hearing loss is a perfectly normal part of the aging process, though it’s not exclusive to getting older. Hearing loss can happen at any age because of accidents, occupational hazards, or diseases.
However, it’s important to acknowledge any hearing loss you may be experiencing. Your health could depend on it.