The onset of hearing loss often goes unrecognized or underestimated by those who have it. This can lead to feelings of frustration not only for the person with hearing loss, but also for family members, friends and colleagues.
Trouble at work
Hearing loss impacts many facets of life and the workplace is no exception. An innocent misunderstanding of directions or instructions can create embarrassment and even poor job performance. Sadly, there is a link between hearing loss and unemployment and, on average, those with hearing loss earn significantly lower wages.
Avoidance of social settings
The inability to hear well may prevent people from asking for clarity, or even help, if they are unable to clearly hear others. This problem is exacerbated in noisy environments which can lead to frustration or even withdrawal, leading to less participation in social settings such as restaurants, parties or other crowded environments.
Relationship challenges
Hearing loss is frustrating for people on both sides of a conversation. The hearing impaired may get frustrated when others do not speak clearly and directly to them. Conversely, they may speak too loudly even when face-to-face, causing others to retreat or chastise them. What’s more, family members may become aggravated when their hearing-impaired partner or parent listens to the TV or stereo at an egregiously high volume.
Depression and loneliness
Over time, the impact of hearing loss can lead to further frustration and even depression. Loneliness is a common outcome. People with hearing loss can be inadvertently removed from conversations or they may choose to purposely avoid engaging with others. Even though those affected may be surrounded by people, they suffer social isolation which can further lead to depression.
Mental stress and dementia
Hearing loss can be mentally taxing as it requires the listener to concentrate more intently on conversations or focus on reading people’s lips. As hearing loss progresses, the brain can become less stimulated due to auditory deprivation. This is why hearing loss is associated with a higher risk for dementia for people between the ages of 45 and 64 with. Those who are hard of hearing also have a higher risk of trips and falls because they are less aware of their surroundings.
The benefits of early treatment
Though hearing loss is a normal part of aging, it is a condition that can be easily managed – especially when addressed early. Treatment of hearing loss can mitigate many of these issues by restoring confidence and the ability to hear while also reducing undue stress on the brain and on relationships.
