Hearing loss affects nearly 36 million
Americans, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other
Communication Disorders (NIDCD). Hearing loss may result from genetic
or environmental factors. Sometimes, however, it is simply a result
of aging. Age-related hearing loss, also called presbycusis, is
common.
The Mayo Foundation for Medical
Education and Research (MFMER) says several things can cause hearing
loss besides aging, heredity or the environment. They include inner
ear damage, infections, a ruptured eardrum or earwax buildup. No
matter what its cause, hearing loss can have a negative impact on
quality of life if left untreated.
Moreover, it can have far-reaching
consequences that go beyond hearing alone. Untreated hearing loss can
have negative social, emotional, cognitive and health effects. Since
most hearing loss occurs gradually, many people are unaware of the
damaging effects of hearing changes.
Only one in five people currently seek
treatment for hearing impairment. However, hearing problems are
likely to reach new levels as America ages and “baby boomers”
live longer. In order to recognize the value of treatment, it is
important to understand the negative consequences of hearing loss.
The Effects of Hearing Loss
Most hearing impaired people can
identify the common effects of hearing loss. They often miss out on
music, movie dialog, and the laughter of children or the voices of
their loved ones. However, hearing loss causes other, more serious
side effects they may not notice at first.
Dementia is one surprising consequence
of hearing loss. According to a Johns Hopkins University study,
people with untreated hearing loss have a higher risk of developing
cognitive problems. The strain of trying to decode sounds can
overwhelm a hearing impaired brain and lead to dementia.
Depression is another common hearing
loss effect. A National Council on Aging (NCOA) study discovered
higher rates of depression and anxiety in people with untreated
hearing loss. The erratic communication patterns caused by hearing
impairment can greatly affect someone’s emotional or mental state.
Many hearing impaired people experience
social isolation. While this is based on anecdotal evidence rather
than scientific analysis, the effect is profound. The combination of
untreated hearing loss and social isolation often leads to the
negative consequences of dementia, depression and lower income.
In a study of 40,000 American
households, the Better Hearing Institute found a link between hearing
impairment and annual income. People with untreated hearing loss
generally earn less income than those who seek appropriate treatment.
The difference can reach $30,000 in some cases. Researchers say
hearing aids can offset this negative impact by more than 65 percent.
Early Hearing Loss Treatment
Fortunately, more people recognize the
importance of early treatment today than ever before. Even mild
hearing loss can benefit from appropriate treatment. Early
intervention “trains” the ears when they can still hear sounds,
creating a more effective treatment.
Modern hearing aids like Miracle
Ear devices are so advanced they make it possible to hear
conversation even in a noisy, crowded room. A hearing checkup is
painless, and many hearing aid stores offer free screenings. Best of
all, better hearing may prevent some of the negative effects of
hearing loss such as dementia, depression, low income and loneliness.
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