It is common for individuals to dismiss hearing loss as a typical aspect of getting older, similar to requiring bifocals or finding a couple of gray hairs. But new studies suggests it’s a lot more significant. A study from Duke-NUS Medical School found a powerful correlation between neglected hearing loss and decreased life expectancy in older adults.
Elderly people experiencing hearing or visual impairments 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 deal with hearing loss can potentially cut years off your life. The risks dramatically escalate when hearing loss is combined with additional sensory impairments, like impaired vision.
Research data indicate that people who deal with dual sensory impairments, affecting both their hearing and vision, face considerably greater obstacles in performing everyday activities such as personal care, meal preparation, and medication management, resulting in considerable losses of autonomy and general well-being.
Why hearing loss is linked to poor general health
There is a significant link between hearing loss and various other health conditions that goes beyond coincidence.
A study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins showed that seniors who suffer from hearing impairments are at an increased risk of:
- Elevated blood pressure and heart-related conditions
- Greater chance of suffering a stroke
- Increased prevalence of smoking or unhealthy lifestyle behaviors
- Decrease in mental functioning, including dementia and Alzheimer’s
This is probably due in part to how blood circulation impacts hearing. The effective functioning of the inner ear relies on having an adequet supply of blood. If blood flow is restricted due to conditions like high blood pressure or smoking, it can adversely impact your hearing. In fact, some individuals hear a whooshing or pulsing sound in their ears, which can be a symptom of vascular issues.
Hearing loss also taxes the brain. When your ears can’t clearly hear sounds, your brain has to work overtime to translate speech. Exerting extra mental energy can impede your brain’s ability to absorb and store knowledge, potentially speeding up mental deterioration.
The emotional and social cost of hearing loss
Beyond the physical effects, neglected hearing loss can impact your emotional wellness. Individuals with hearing impairments frequently begin to separate themselves from social connections due to the increasing challenges and annoyances of participating in discussions. This isolation often leads to:
- Isolation and decreased social interaction
- Greater vulnerability to disorders and emotional distress
- A deterioration in psychological and emotional health
These consequences can compound over time, contributing to a downward spiral in both cognitive and physical health.
Strategy to improve your hearing and boost your wellbeing
The good news is that hearing impairment is treatable, and catching it early makes a big difference. Here’s what you can do:
- Schedule a hearing assessment– 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.
- Increase your nutrients. Key vitamins and minerals, such as iron, B12, and folate play a critical role in preserving healthy hearing. Get advice from a personalized healthcare professional or licensed dietitian.
- Managing underlying medical issues, such as heart conditions or anemia, can have a positive impact on hearing.
Take charge of your hearing health today
Hearing loss doesn’t have to take over your life– or shorten it. When detected and regulated early, hearing loss can be managed effectively, improving not just your hearing but your emotional state, memory, and longevity.
If you’re noticing changes in your hearing or struggling to keep up with conversations, don’t put off. Taking the time to undergo a hearing assessment can have a profound and long-lasting effect on your general health and quality of life.
Contact us today to schedule a hearing test and get on the path to better health.