Along with hearing loss’s expected challenges, many other silent side effects come along when hearing becomes difficult. Navigating a world built for those with healthy hearing can be ostracizing at times, in addition to the simple logistical trials that come with trying to communicate with an impairment. For instance, a recent study showed that hearing loss is associated with a higher rate of depression in adults with hearing loss, most markedly among those 18 to 69 years of age.
Hearing loss is gradual
Many people struggle to accept that hearing loss is present in their lives. This could be due to several different factors.
The most notable is the confusing way that hearing loss, particularly age-related hearing loss, initially presents itself. Instead of a sudden decrease in overall volume, hearing loss is often noticed as a distortion in frequencies. And it occurs very gradually over time so that this distortion might even be challenging to pinpoint. More likely, it seems as though conversations become more challenging to follow as words are lost or that volumes on televisions and other devices are set too low.
For this reason, it’s easy to make minor adjustments to accommodate hearing loss without seeking a diagnosis.
Why we hesitate to seek a diagnosis
Age-related hearing loss is a very natural part of the aging process. Still, despite its proliferation in our society, we are also hesitant to admit that it is present in our lives.
Our society is youth-obsessed. A hearing loss diagnosis seems like concrete evidence that we are phasing into a different era of our lives. This can be a complex reality to accept. Still, it is also important to remember that hearing loss may occur to anyone at any age. There are also subtle stereotypes woven into hearing loss that we may have internalized. Difficulty hearing or communicating due to hearing loss has no basis in our worth or mental capacities. However, we seem to link these things in ourselves.
The effects of untreated hearing loss
In truth, the cost of avoiding a diagnosis and treatment is startling. A study that focused on working adults ages 35 to 55, untreated mild to moderate age-related hearing loss resulted in increased depression, anxiety, and interpersonal sensitivity.
The very experience of trying to maintain social ties and connection when the conversation is confusing, and anxiety-inducing as a result of hearing loss is isolating. Human beings are built to be interdependent. When the connection with others is severed or interrupted, depression quickly settles in. Untreated hearing loss steers folks away from the very scenarios in which they find support and self-esteem.
Beyond adding ease back into your ability to hold conversations and connect with other humans, seeking treatment also allows you to regain control of your life. By taking the driver’s seat and actively seeking solutions, you regain a sense of self and autonomy that may have been lost.
Part of the treatment is accepting hearing loss
Denial is a powerful tool that is often used in the context of hearing loss. People will feel that if their hearing deteriorates, they are growing old or losing their independence, which can be very hard to accept.
The reality is that as we get older, we have more time and opportunities to live happier, more fulfilled lives. We’re used to repairing whatever is broken in our workplaces, houses, and lives. As a result, once we understand that our well-being needs some assistance, we take action.
While today’s hearing aids cannot cure hearing loss, they will help you cope with the consequences. With the assistance of hearing aids, moments at work, in restaurants, with loved ones, and elsewhere will become easier to navigate. Hearing aids today are not the same as those worn by your grandfather or even your mother. Cutting-edge digital technology reduces background noise so you can concentrate on what you want to hear. These sophisticated little pieces of technology are crafted to be as discreet as possible.
The first step is always a hearing test
If you suspect that hearing loss is affecting your life, schedule a hearing test immediately. Once you have an accurate understanding of your hearing abilities, we can help you find the best solution for your unique hearing situation!