Hearing loss is typically brushed off as an ordinary part of getting older, like requiring bifocals or observing a few gray hairs. However, recent studies indicate that its value is greatly undervalued. Research carried out by Duke-NUS Medical School uncovered a significant connection between unaddressed hearing loss and a reduced lifespan among elderly individuals.
Elderly individuals experiencing hearing or visual impairments are more vulnerable to suffering from depression, feeling isolated from others, and facing challenges 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.
Research findings indicate that individuals who deal with dual sensory impairments, affecting both their hearing and vision, face considerably greater obstacles in performing daily activities such as personal care, meal planning, and medication management, causing considerable losses of autonomy and total well-being.
The link between hearing loss and declining general health
The link between hearing loss and other medical conditions isn’t just a coincidence.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins discovered that older adults with hearing loss are more likely to encounter:
- High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
- Greater chance of suffering a stroke
- Increased prevalence of smoking or unhealthy lifestyle behaviors
- Mental decline, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
This is probably due in part to how blood circulation impacts hearing. The inner ear relies on a healthy supply of blood to function. When blood vessels are narrowed by high blood pressure or smoking, for instance, your hearing might suffer. Indeed, certain people may perceive a rushing or throbbing noise inside their ears, suggesting potential problems with blood vessels.
In addition to affecting your ears, hearing loss also puts a strain on your brain. When sound signals are vague, your brain needs to exert more effort to decipher and understand spoken language. Exerting additional cognitive energy can impede your brain’s ability to absorb and store knowledge, potentially speeding up mental decline.
The emotional and social cost of hearing loss
Beyond the physical impacts, neglected hearing loss can impact your emotional wellness. Many people with hearing problems begin to disengage socially because it becomes more difficult and more frustrating to engage in conversations. This seclusion often leads to:
- Loneliness and reduced social activity
- Greater susceptibility to disorders and emotional stress
- A decline in cognitive and emotional wellness
These consequences can compound over time, contributing to a downward spiral in both cognitive and physical health.
Strategy to improve your hearing and enhance your wellbeing
The good news is that hearing impairment is treatable, and catching it early makes a huge difference. Options for Action:
- Schedule a hearing evaluation– Even if you have mild symptoms, a test can identify any problems 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 support hearing health. Seek advice from a personalized healthcare professional or licensed dietitian.
- Deal with underlying health conditions– Treating cardiovascular issues 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. Identifying and addressing hearing loss promptly can result in successful treatment, enhancing not only your ability to hear but also positively impacting your emotional well-being, cognitive function, and general lifespan.
If you’ve started to observe a decline in your discussions, it’s essential to take action right away. A hearing examination is a basic step that could have a long lasting effect on your health and well-being.
Contact us today to schedule a hearing exam and get on the path to better health.