Hearing loss is typically disregarded as an ordinary part of aging, like requiring bifocals or noticing a few gray hairs. But new studies suggests it’s a lot more significant. A study from Duke-NUS Medical School revealed a strong association between untreated hearing loss and reduced life expectancy in older adults.
Elderly individuals experiencing hearing or visual impairments 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 risks significantly escalate when hearing loss is combined with additional sensory impairments, like impaired vision.
The research disclosed that individuals with both hearing and vision loss are almost two times as likely to struggle with daily activities include bathing, cooking, or managing medications, leading to major 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 problems isn’t just a coincidence.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that older adults with hearing loss are more likely to experience:
- High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
- Greater chance of suffering a stroke
- Higher instances of smoking or bad lifestyle habits
- Cognitive decline, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
This is because hearing is impacted by blood circulation to some extent. The effective functioning of the inner ear depends on having an adequet supply of blood. If the flow of blood is reduced due to conditions like high blood pressure or smoking, it can adversely impact your hearing. In fact, some individuals experience a whooshing or pulsing sound in their ears, which can be a symptom of vascular issues.
Hearing loss also taxes the brain. When your ears can’t clearly hear sounds, your brain has to work harder to interpret speech. This added effort might decrease your ability to process and retain information, raising the risk of cognitive decline.
The emotional and social toll of hearing loss
Apart from its physical implications, failing to manage hearing loss can also have a pronounced influence on your mental health. Many people with hearing troubles start to withdraw socially because it becomes more difficult and more frustrating to engage in conversations. This isolation often leads to:
- Isolation and decreased social interaction
- Greater vulnerability to disorders and emotional stress
- A deterioration in psychological and emotional health
The effects can build up gradually, resulting in a decline in both cognitive and physical wellness.
Basic steps to improve hearing and total health
Fortunately, hearing loss can be managed with successful treatment options. Here’s what you can do:
- Make an appointment for a hearing examination– It is essential to get evaluated even for minor symptoms as this can identify any issues early on.
- Think about Modern options like hearing aid, they are compact, technologically advanced, and remarkably proficient at reducing distractions from surrounding sounds.
- Improve your nutrition– Nutrients including iron, B12, and folate support hearing health. Seek advice from a personalized healthcare professional or registered dietitian.
- Regulating underlying medical problems, including heart conditions or anemia, can have a positive effect on hearing.
Start managing your hearing health now.
Hearing loss doesn’t have to control your life– or shorten it. Identifying and managing hearing loss promptly can result in successful treatment, improving not only your ability to hear but also positively impacting your emotional well-being, mental function, and general lifespan.
If you’re detecting changes in your hearing or struggling to keep up with conversations, don’t wait. A hearing assessment is a basic step that could have a lasting effect on your health and well-being.
Contact us today to schedule a hearing exam and get on the road to better health.