There are many risks to treating hearing loss, but the risks of not treating the condition are the most severe. People with untreated hearing loss are at risk for cognitive, psychological, and safety issues that can result in a lower quality of life.
The Risks of Untreated Hearing Loss: What You Need to Know
1 – Cognitive Decline and Mental Failure
Hearing loss and dementia are two issues that affect many people at the same time. People that deal with hearing loss are at risk for cognitive decline as a result of two factors: stress and isolation.
2 – Decline in Emotional Wellbeing
Since hearing loss is a chronic condition that lacks a cure, it is a condition that people live with for the rest of their lives. This can cause people to feel anger, depression, and anxiety, which can lead to a further decline in one’s emotional wellbeing.
3 – Social Problems
Because of the negative perception of hearing loss, people with hearing loss will often be socially isolated, which increases the risk for depression and anxiety. Furthermore, the lack of communication skills or hearing can lead to an increased number of social problems.
4 – Hearing-Related Falls and Injuries
People with hearing loss, who do not have a hearing aid on, are three times more likely to suffer a fall. The most common cause of injury when someone is not wearing an aid to hearing is falling. In addition to falls, people with hearing loss are also more likely to be involved in car accidents.
5 – Decline in Language
People that deal with untreated hearing loss are at risk for a decline in language skills. Many people rely on spoken communication and may struggle to communicate with others.
6 – Psychological Issues
Research from the University of Illinois shows people with untreated hearing loss have higher levels of depression, anxiety, and social distress than their hearing peers. Hearing loss can also cause a person to become frustrated, isolated, and withdrawn.
Why Hearing Loss Should Be Treated
The best way to tackle hearing loss is to get it treated as soon as possible. Hearing aids and other hearing technologies, like cochlear implants, are the best ways to treat hearing loss.
There are many factors that make hearing aids the best method to treat hearing loss, including:
Hearing aids are user-friendly:
1 – They are not visible, so there is no stigma associated with them.
2 – You can wear them with or without glasses.
3 – They are easy to use and can even be worn in the shower.
4 – They are easy to maintain and can be cleaned with the same cleaning solutions you use in your home.
5 – They are small and work with all types of pockets, so there is no need to worry about keeping them on your person.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is crucial to treat hearing loss. The risks of untreated hearing loss are too great to overlook. It is crucial to have a conversation with your provider to discuss the various approaches to hearing loss, so you can learn what is best for you.
Work with the best hearing specialists at Hear More Associates. We have the most trusted hearing care specialists caring for patients throughout Lexington and Greater Boston, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.
