Hearing loss is often disregarded as an ordinary part of aging, like needing bifocals or noticing a few gray hairs. But new research suggests it’s far more significant. A study from Duke-NUS Medical School found a powerful association between untreated hearing loss and decreased mortality in older adults.
Elderly people experiencing hearing or visual impairments are more susceptible to developing depression, feeling disconnected 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 lifespan. The risks considerably escalate when hearing loss is paired with additional sensory impairments, like impaired vision.
Research data indicate that people who experience dual sensory impairments, impacting both their hearing and vision, face significantly greater obstacles in performing day-to-day activities such as personal care, meal preparation, and medication management, causing substantial losses of autonomy and overall well-being.
Why hearing loss is connected to poor overall health
The link between hearing loss and other medical problems isn’t just a coincidence.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins discovered that older adults with hearing impairment are more likely to encounter:
- High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
- Greater chance of suffering a stroke
- Increased occurrence of smoking or hazardous lifestyle behaviors
- Cognitive decline, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
This is probably due in part to how blood circulation impacts hearing. The proper functioning of the inner ear depends on having a sufficient supply of blood. If the flow of blood is reduced as a result of conditions like high blood pressure or smoking, it can negatively impact your hearing. Indeed, some individuals may hear a rushing or throbbing noise within their ears, indicating potential problems with blood vessels.
Hearing loss also taxes the brain. When your ears can’t clearly hear sounds, your brain needs to work overtime to translate speech. This added effort might reduce your ability to process and retain information, raising the risk of mental decline.
The emotional and social cost of hearing loss
In addition to the physical effects, untreated hearing loss can impact your emotional health. Individuals with hearing loss frequently start to separate themselves from social interactions as a result of the increasing difficulties and annoyances of participating in discussions. This solitude frequently results in:
- Loneliness and reduced social activity
- Greater susceptibility to disorders and emotional distress
- A deterioration in psychological and emotional health
The effects can accumulate gradually, leading to a decline in both cognitive and physical wellness.
Strategy to improve your hearing and boost your wellbeing
The good news is that hearing loss is treatable, and catching it early makes a huge difference. Options for Action:
- Schedule a hearing assessment– Even if you have mild symptoms, a test can pinpoint any problems before they get worse.
- Think about hearing aids– Today’s devices are unobtrusive, Bluetooth-enabled, and very effective at filtering background noise.
- Improve your nutrition– Nutrients like iron, B12, and folate support hearing health. Get advice from a personalized healthcare professional or registered dietitian.
- Regulating underlying medical issues, including heart conditions or anemia, can have a positive impact on hearing.
Take control of your hearing health today
You don’t have to let hearing loss dictate your daily life or impact your overall longevity. Detecting and addressing hearing loss promptly can result in successful treatment, improving not only your ability to hear but also positively impacting your emotional health, cognitive function, and overall lifespan.
If you’re detecting changes in your hearing or struggling to hear conversations, don’t put off. Taking the time to undergo a hearing test can have a profound and long-lasting effect on your overall health and quality of life.
Contact us today to schedule a hearing test and get on the path to better health.
