It is common for people to dismiss hearing loss as a typical aspect of aging, similar to needing bifocals or finding a couple of gray hairs. However, recent studies suggest that its importance is considerably undervalued. A study from Duke-NUS Medical School revealed a strong association between untreated hearing loss and reduced life expectancy in older adults.
Seniors with hearing or vision problems are already known to be at greater risk for depression, isolation, and cognitive decline. What’s surprising is that neglected hearing loss may actually shorten your lifespan. The risks increase drastically when hearing loss is combined with other sensory impairments, such as poor vision.
The study disclosed that individuals with both hearing and vision loss are almost two times as likely to struggle with everyday activities include bathing, cooking, or managing medications, leading to serious declines in self-reliance and quality of life.
Why hearing loss is linked to weak general health
The connection between hearing loss and other medical conditions isn’t just a coincidence.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins discovered that older adults with hearing loss are more likely to encounter:
- Elevated blood pressure and heart-related conditions
- Elevated risk of stroke
- Higher instances of smoking or poor lifestyle behaviors
- Decrease in mental performance, including dementia and Alzheimer’s
This is because hearing is influenced by blood circulation to some extent. The inner ear depends on a healthy supply of blood to function. When blood vessels are narrowed by high blood pressure or smoking, for instance, your hearing may suffer. In fact, some people experience a whooshing or pulsing sound in their ears, which can be a symptom of vascular issues.
Hearing loss also strains the brain. When your ears can’t clearly hear sounds, your brain has to work harder to translate speech. This additional effort may reduce your ability to process and retain information, increasing the danger of mental decline.
The emotional and social cost of hearing loss
Beyond the physical effects, untreated hearing loss can impact your emotional wellness. Individuals with hearing loss often start to separate themselves from social connections due to the increasing challenges and annoyances of taking part in discussions. This isolation often leads to:
- Isolation and decreased social interaction
- Increased danger of depression and anxiety
- A decline in cognitive and emotional wellness
The effects can accumulate gradually, resulting in a decline in both cognitive and physical well-being.
Strategy to improve your hearing and enhance your wellbeing
The good news is that hearing impairment is treatable, and catching it early makes a big difference. Here’s what you can do:
- Schedule a hearing evaluation– Even if you have minor symptoms, a test can identify any issues before they get worse.
- Consider hearing aids– Today’s devices are discreet, Bluetooth-enabled, and highly effective at filtering background sounds.
- Improve your nutrition– Nutrients like iron, B12, and folate bolster hearing health. Seek advice from a personalized healthcare professional or licensed dietitian.
- Regulating underlying medical problems, such as heart conditions or anemia, can have a positive impact on hearing.
Start dealing with your hearing health now.
Hearing loss doesn’t have to control your life– or shorten it. Detecting and addressing hearing loss early can result in successful treatment, enhancing not only your ability to hear but also positively affecting your emotional health, cognitive function, and overall lifespan.
If you’re detecting changes in your hearing or struggling to hear conversations, don’t wait. A hearing assessment is a simple step that could have a long lasting effect on your health and well-being.
Reach out to us now to schedule an appointment for a hearing exam and start your journey towards improved well-being.
