Health and Hearing
January 15, 2017Hearing loss is a common problem that affects several million people each year. Any form of hearing loss not only impacts your sense of hearing but also your general health. Hearing loss can be a very isolating experience. It forces the hearing impaired individual to avoid social situations to spare themselves the embarrassment of constantly asking others to repeat themselves and feeling out of place as a result of being unable to hear most of what is being said. This constant isolation can also lead to mental health problems such as depression or anxiety. To avoid the negative outcomes of hearing loss, ensure timely testing and treatment for your hearing impairment. Research suggests that the people who have obtained hearing devices to rectify their hearing loss report significant improvements in their mental health and sense of well-being.
Your difficulty in hearing can also impact your physical health. Several debilitating diseases, such as cardiac disease, stroke, diabetes, and dementia have all found to have a significant relation with hearing loss. For instance, a sudden onset of hearing loss may be indicative of an oncoming stroke. Hearing loss may be a result of cardiac disease or diabetes which causes decreased blood flow to the ear may result in lasting damage, causing hearing impediment. Cognitive decline as a result of dementia may also result in hearing loss. It is important to get your hearing tested simply as a preventative measure that can help identify an underlying, more severe health ailment. Conversely, if you are aware that you suffer from a serious health ailment it is important to test your hearing to ensure that your sense of hearing is intact and undamaged by your medical condition.
The impact of hearing loss is widespread but can be easily rectified through the use of hearing devices that amplify the sounds in your immediate environment to help you develop a more enhanced sense of hearing. These instruments can help you regain an active social life as well as helping to address any underlying medical conditions that you may be unaware of. Problems resulting from hearing loss, such as mental fatigue, stress, and depression can be eradicated through the use of hearing aids and help reduce the intensity of cognitive decline. Addressing your medical conditions can also help improve your hearing, such as taking appropriate medications to control your blood sugar in case of diabetes. In the event of damage to your hearing as a result of reduced blood flow, hearing devices can help you regain your sense of hearing and
diabetes, having blood sugar under control and taking the correct medications can improve the blood flow to your ears and slow the rate of loss. Hearing aids may also help if the lack of blood flow causes permanent damage to your ears by helping you regain your sense of hearing, keeping you healthy and active for a longer period of time.