The hidden “costs” of not treating hearing loss
Changes in hearing are very common among people aged 65 and up. Almost one-third of people in this age group have noticeable hearing loss. Some of us lose very little hearing while others experience significant hearing loss. Research indicates that we typically judge our own hearing loss as less severe than do our spouses or other family members. That’s one reason why the average time between onset of hearing loss and treatment is 10 years!
Unfortunately, only a fraction of people with serious hearing loss receive treatment at all – despite major advances in hearing aid technology that can provide significant benefit. In part, this is because many people still believe that their hearing loss is insignificant or cannot be helped or that they cannot afford treatment. But untreated hearing loss can cause withdrawal from favorite activities and severely compromise a person’s quality of life.
Causes of hearing loss
- Noise exposure
- Ear wax build-up or foreign bodies in the ear canal
- The natural aging process
- Ear infections, eustachian tube dysfunction, or middle ear problems (e.g. otosclerosis)
- Ménière’s disease or related ear diseases
- Head and neck trauma
- Medications
- TMJ or jaw joint misalignment
- Stress, depression, anxiety
- Cardiovascular disease
- Systemic diseases – diabetes, anemia, hormonal changes, Lyme disease, high or low blood pressure, thyroid dysfunction, fibromyalgia, brain tumors
- For many, the cause is unknown
Hearing loss can cause depression, anxiety, insecurity, withdrawal, and poor quality of life
People with hearing impairment that goes untreated suffer many negative effects. Compared to hearing-impaired people who use hearing aids, those who do not use hearing aids are more likely to report:
- Sadness and depression
- Paranoia, worry, and anxiety
- Less social activity
- Emotional turmoil and insecurity
People whose hearing loss is treated often report a number of benefits
- Better relationships with family and friends
- Better feelings about themselves
- Greater sense of self-worth
- Improved mental health
- Greater independence and security
In addition, most report that they wish they’d sought help for their hearing loss much sooner.
For a thorough evaluation of your hearing problem, look to Doctors’ Hearing Center. Here, Dr. Robin Andrews, a board-certified doctor of audiology, uses today’s state-of-the-art testing methods to diagnose hearing loss. Plus, he will recommend the best hearing solution based on your individual hearing needs.
If you or a loved one is suffering with a hearing problem, call Doctors’ Hearing Center and schedule your appointment at 770.676.7208. You can also book your hearing test using our online Appointment Request form. Our hearing test patients come to us from Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Duluth, Milton and Roswell in Fulton County, GA.
