Hearing loss is often brushed off as an ordinary part of aging, like requiring bifocals or observing a few gray hairs. But new studies suggests it’s far more prevalent. A study from Duke-NUS Medical School revealed a powerful correlation between neglected hearing loss and decreased life expectancy in older adults.
Elderly individuals experiencing hearing or visual difficulties are more vulnerable to developing depression, feeling disconnected from others, and facing challenges with mental processing and memory. What’s surprising is that neglected hearing loss might actually shorten your lifespan. The dangers significantly escalate when hearing loss is combined with additional sensory impairments, like impaired vision.
The research revealed that individuals with both hearing and vision loss are nearly two times as likely to struggle with everyday activities include bathing, cooking, or managing medications, resulting in major declines in self-reliance and quality of life.
Why hearing loss is connected to weak general health
There is a substantial link between hearing loss and numerous other health conditions that surpasses coincidence.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that older adults with hearing impairment are more likely to experience:
- Elevated blood pressure and heart-related conditions
- Greater chance of suffering a stroke
- Increased occurrence of smoking or hazardous 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 depends on a strong supply of blood to function. When blood vessels are contracted by high blood pressure or smoking, for example, your hearing might suffer. Indeed, certain people might hear a rushing or throbbing noise inside their ears, suggesting potential problems with blood vessels.
Hearing loss also strains the brain. When your ears can’t clearly hear sounds, your brain has to work overtime to interpret speech. Using additional mental energy can hamper your brain’s capacity to absorb and keep knowledge, potentially speeding up mental decline.
The emotional and social cost of hearing loss
Beyond its physical implications, failing to address hearing loss can also have a pronounced impact on your mental well-being. Many people with hearing troubles begin to disengage socially because it becomes more difficult and more frustrating to participate in conversations. This isolation often leads to:
- Seclusion and diminished social interaction
- Greater susceptibility to disorders and emotional distress
- A deterioration in psychological and emotional health
The effects can build up gradually, leading to a decline in both mental and physical well-being.
Simple steps to improve hearing and total health
Luckily, hearing loss can be managed with effective treatment outcomes. Here’s what you can do:
- Make an appointment for a hearing assessment– It is important to get tested even for slight symptoms as this can identify any problems early on.
- Think about hearing aids– Today’s devices are unobtrusive, Bluetooth-enabled, and very effective at filtering background noise.
- Improve your nutrition– Nutrients including iron, B12, and folate bolster hearing health. Get advice from a personalized healthcare professional or licensed dietitian.
- Address underlying health conditions– Managing cardiovascular issues or anemia can also help preserve hearing.
Take charge of your hearing health today
Hearing loss doesn’t have to control your life– or shorten it. Detecting and addressing hearing loss early can result in successful treatment, improving not only your ability to hear but also positively impacting your emotional well-being, cognitive function, and general lifespan.
If you’ve begun to observe a decline in your discussions, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Taking the time to get a hearing assessment can have a profound and long-lasting effect on your total health and quality of life.
Contact us today to schedule a hearing test and get on the road to better health.