The Connection Between Hearing Loss And Overall Physical Health

It might seem surprising that hearing loss can affect so many other areas of our physical health, but think about it: our hearing is one of our primary senses. So, when this is impaired, it can have a ‘domino effect’ on the rest of our body. For most people, sight loss would of course be a more significant issue than a loss of hearing, however it shouldn’t be underestimated as to just how important our hearing is and how it connects us to the world around us. Many research studies have shown that there are numerous kinds of health problems associated with untreated hearing loss, read on to find out more about what they are and why looking after your hearing health is therefore so important.

Hearing Loss and Cognitive Function

When we communicate with others around us, our brain is processing so many different pieces of information. The neurons are all firing and staying connected, and this is good for our overall brain health. When we can no longer properly hear sounds, our brain has to work harder to process sounds and speech which have been shown over time to cause cognitive decline- even to the point that untreated hearing loss has been strongly linked to developing dementia. People with severe hearing loss are a whopping five times more likely to develop the condition.

Hearing Loss and Mental Health

As well as cognitive health (which refers to brain function), loss of hearing can also impact mental health (such as brain chemistry leading to a change of emotions). This could be a result of people who are struggling hearing others may naturally find that they withdraw more, spend less time with others and then end up feeling lonely and isolated. A decline in mental health can then be the catalyst for further physical health issues and so this is an important element to consider when someone is experiencing hearing loss, as early action can prevent this.

Hearing Loss and Communication Struggles

As humans, we are social creatures. We need community around us, some people have wide social circles and others prefer to keep to smaller and more intimate connections with others- but either way, other people are important to us. When we can no longer hear, understand and communicate properly with others it can have a huge impact on us. This can hugely decrease a person’s quality of life

Hearing Loss and Physical Issues

Hearing loss has been linked to a number of physical health issues. These include cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure- most likely due to increased stress. As a secondary factor to isolation, issues like obesity can occur where people are less active and less likely to pay attention to a healthy lifestyle, and this comes with its own problems from diabetes to cancers. It truly can be a domino effect in the body where one thing causes the downfall of the next, leading to poor mental and physical health.

How to Manage Your Hearing Loss

Here are three proactive ways you can manage any hearing loss:
1. Get a hearing test: It might feel scary but getting professional help is the first step. An audiologist or a hearing healthcare professional can help you to determine the type of hearing loss you have and what the severity is.
2. Consider hearing technology: Hearing aids and assistive listening devices can make it easier for you to not only hear better, but communicate with those around you. Hearing aids have some incredible technology these days and can do so much to get your hearing back where you need it to be.
3. Practice communication strategies: Things like learning lip reading and visual clues can all help you on your journey. Try to select venues with ample lighting and opt for corner tables or booths at restaurants to help drown out some of the background noise.

Finding the Right Treatment

If you’re experiencing hearing loss, it’s really important to seek treatment early, since this can help to prevent or reduce the risk of health problems associated with hearing loss. Book in an appointment with an audiologist at our office as a first step to better hearing! We will evaluate your hearing and if a loss is present, we’ll work with you to find the most suitable technology for your specific needs. To learn more about Siouxland Hearing Healthcare, P.L.C. and take the first step towards better hearing health, call (712) 266-3662.