Hearing loss is more than just an inconvenience – it poses serious risks that can impact every aspect of life. Imagine struggling every day to hear sounds, including the words that people say to you. Yet, it’s a reality for many. And as the population ages, the numbers will rise.
In 2022, slightly more than 4% of all Americans wore a hearing aid, according to the National Health Interview Survey. In adults 18 years and over, 24.4% with hearing loss used a hearing aid. This means that a considerable number of people aren’t getting treatment for their hearing problems. The Department of Health and Human Services has set a goal to increase the use of hearing aids by 2030.
The best approach is to protect your hearing, so you don’t need a hearing aid. Fortunately, there are steps you can take in your own life to lower your risk of hearing loss. Taking these steps will help you retain your hearing as you get into the latter decades of life. But first, let’s look at what the consequences of untreated hearing loss can be. Then, you’ll discover ways to protect your ears.
Hearing Loss Increases Risk of Dementia and Cognitive Decline
One of the most alarming risks associated with untreated hearing loss is an increased rate of cognitive decline and dementia. According to research from Johns Hopkins University, adults with moderate to severe hearing loss have a 61% higher incidence of dementia compared to those with normal hearing.
Scientists are still looking at the reasons for this connection. However, a theory is that hearing loss contributes to cognitive load, social isolation, and brain atrophy over time. Adults with hearing loss exert more mental effort to follow conversations, leaving fewer cognitive resources available for other tasks.
People who can’t hear well also spend less time socializing with others. Such isolation may also accelerate cognitive decline. Plus, brain scans show that hearing loss is associated with a faster rate of brain tissue loss in areas that control memory and thinking.
.Treating hearing loss may help safeguard brain health. The Johns Hopkins study found the rate of cognitive decline was reduced by 32% among people using hearing aids, suggesting hearing rehabilitation can make a meaningful difference..
Hearing Loss Impacts Balance and Increases Fall Risk
Another common yet overlooked consequence of leaving hearing loss untreated is an increased risk of falls. As we age, hearing plays a significant role in balance and spatial awareness. When you have compromised hearing, your brain struggles to properly calibrate distance and movement using auditory cues.
Older adults with a hearing impairment are more likely to experience balance issues and are three times more likely to have a history of falls compared to those without hearing loss. Using hearing aids helps restore auditory input and can improve stability. People with reduced hearing who address their hearing loss have a lower likelihood of falls.
Hearing Loss Takes a Toll on Overall Health
Difficulty hearing doesn’t just affect the ears – it takes a cumulative toll on physical, mental, and social well-being. Adults with hearing loss are more likely to report chronic health issues like diabetes, heart disease, depression, and disability compared to those without hearing loss..
Some key statistics illustrate the wide-ranging impacts:
- Adults with hearing loss have a higher rate of unemployment and are more likely to have lower-paying jobs compared to those without hearing impairment.
- Sixty-five percent of people with hearing loss experience loneliness and social isolation. They are less engaged in community activities and more likely to withdraw socially.
- Adults with hearing loss have 3.5 times higher rates of tinnitus, balance issues, and memory problems compared to people without hearing difficulties.
- Thirty-three percent of adults with hearing loss have symptoms of depression, which tends to worsen with more severe hearing loss.
Protect Your Hearing Before It’s Too Late
The good news is that many types of hearing loss are preventable through safe listening habits. Noise exposure is responsible for about 50% of hearing loss cases.
Simple precautions can reduce your risk:
- Wear earplugs when using loud equipment like lawnmowers or power tools.
- Lower the volume when listening to music on headphones.
- Give your ears regular breaks if you work in noisy environments.
- Choose quieter leisure activities to limit noise exposure.
- If you work in a noisy environment, ask your employer about ear protection.
- Talk to your doctor about your own risk factors for hearing loss.
- Eat a nutrient-rich diet in fruits and vegetables. Some research suggests that phytonutrients in these foods may help protect against hearing loss.
- Don’t smoke or consume excessive amounts of alcohol.
Getting annual hearing check-ups can also help catch early warning signs before hearing loss progresses. The effects of hearing loss accumulate over time, so it pays to be proactive. If you notice any symptoms, schedule an appointment with an audiologist right away for hearing tests and treatment options.
Early intervention is key to preventing or slowing down further hearing deterioration. An audiologist can recommend assistive devices, hearing aids, or other therapies tailored to your specific needs.
The stakes are too high to ignore hearing loss. From increased dementia risk to falls and social isolation, untreated hearing impairment threatens health, safety, and quality of life. Protecting hearing health safeguards overall well-being. Spread the word to those you care about most. Just as importantly, protect your own precious ears.
References:
- Hearing loss – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Published 2023. Accessed February 28, 2024. .mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20373072.
- Hernandez N, Murray B, Cameron K. Hearing Loss Statistics 2024: More Common Than You Might Think. NCOA Adviser. Published August 15, 2023. Accessed February 28, 2024. .ncoa.org/adviser/hearing-aids/hearing-loss-statistics/
- Causes of Hearing Loss in Adults. Asha.org. Published 2024. Accessed February 28, 2024. .asha.org/public/hearing/causes-of-hearing-loss-in-adults/
- Council R, Dobie RA, Susan Van Hemel. Impact of Hearing Loss on Daily Life and the Workplace. Nih.gov. Published 2024. Accessed February 28, 2024. .ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207836/
- WHO releases new standard to tackle rising threat of hearing loss. Paho.org. Published 2018. Accessed February 28, 2024. .paho.org/en/news/2-3-2022-who-releases-new-standard-tackle-rising-threat-hearing-loss
- What is the state of American hearing? USAFacts. Published December 20, 2023. Accessed February 28, 2024. usafacts.org/articles/what-is-the-state-of-american-hearing/
- “New Study Links Hearing Loss With Dementia in Older Adults.” 10 Jan. 2023, https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2023/new-study-links-hearing-loss-with-dementia-in-older-adults.
- Liang Z, Li A, Xu Y, Qian X, Gao X. Hearing Loss, and Dementia: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies. Front Aging Neurosci. 2021 Jul 8;13:695117. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.695117. PMID: 34305572; PMCID: PMC8295986.
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