Couple in denial about their hearing loss laugh over misunderstanding.

Hearing loss – it’s usually perceived as a fact of life as we get older. Lots of older Americans have some kind of hearing loss or tinnitus, which is a chronic ringing in the ears. But for such an accepted problem many people still won’t admit they suffer from hearing loss.

A new study from Canada reveals that loss of hearing is experienced by more than half of Canadians, but that 77% of those people do not report any concerns. Some form of hearing loss is impacting over 48 million Americans and goes un-addressed. It’s up for debate whether this denial is on purpose or not, but the fact remains that a significant number of individuals let their hearing loss go unchecked – which, in the future, could result in substantial issues.

Why is Loss of Hearing Not Recognized by Some people?

That matter is a complicated one. Hearing loss is a gradual process, and some people may not even notice that they are having a harder time hearing things or comprehending people than they used to. Many times they blame everyone else around them – they think that everyone is mumbling, volumes aren’t turned up loud enough, or background noise is too high. There are, unfortunately, quite a few things that hearing loss can be blamed on, and having a hearing examination or getting checked out, usually, is not a person’s first instinct.

It also happens that some people just won’t accept that they have hearing loss. Another study conducted in the United States shows that many seniors flat out refuse to admit that they are suffering from a hearing issue. They mask their issue in any way they can, either because they don’t want to acknowledge a problem or because of perceived stigmas associated with hearing loss.

The concern with both of these scenarios is that by denying or not noticing you have a problem hearing you could actually be negatively impacting your overall health.

Untreated Hearing Loss Can Have a Catastrophic Impact

It’s not only your ears that are impacted by loss of hearing – it has been linked to various ailments like depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline, and it can also be a sign of high blood pressure and heart disease.

Research has shown that individuals who have managed their hearing loss using cognitive therapy, changes of diet and hearing aids have better overall health and longer life spans.

It’s important to recognize the indications of hearing loss – problems carrying on conversations, cranking up the volume on the radio or TV, or a persistent ringing or humming in your ears.

How Can You Manage Hearing Loss?

You can get your hearing loss under control with a number of treatment options. Hearing aids are the most prevalent type of treatment, and you won’t have the same kinds of problems that your grandparents or parents did because hearing aid technology has advanced considerably. Hearing aids now have the ability to filter out background noise and wind, while also wirelessly connecting to devices like your TV, tablet, or radio.

A dietary changes could affect the health of your hearing if you have anemia. Since anemia iron deficiency has been shown to cause hearing loss, people who suffer from tinnitus can be helped by eating foods that are rich in iron.

The most important thing you can do, though, is to have your hearing examined on a regular basis.

Are you worried you could have hearing troubles? Make an appointment for a hearing test.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.
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