The hidden risks of hearing loss
Creeping in at a gradual pace, hearing loss eventually impacts us all – with alarming side effects that can overpower our ‘she’ll be right’ mindset. So why does the social stigma remain?
An August 2024 report quotes the New Zealand Audiological Society saying that hearing loss has significant implications for an individual’s social, vocational, educational and functional ability, and their quality of life. Often closely connected with ageing, it becomes a condition people frequently neglect, and perhaps unconsciously shame until they end up on the receiving end themselves.
Studies find depression and anxiety far more prevalent in those with hearing loss, while quality of life significantly decreases for people struggling to hear. Connections are noted between hearing loss and an increased risk of cognitive decline, so listen up: it’s time to take hearing loss seriously.
Hearing loss makes everything harder. From social isolation to an inability to hear alarms, electric vehicles, or warning sirens when crossing the street, untreated hearing loss can throw its victim into a pit of emotional distress. Unfortunately, it’s also something a lot of people feel embarrassed about.
Many sufferers experience frustration communicating, especially in noisy, public spaces, and revert to excluding themselves from the conversation altogether. Subtle speech cues are missed and conversation dynamics change. It feels easier to withdraw from social interaction than frustrating themselves and those around them.
Studies suggest this leads to lowered self-esteem, strained relationships, and cognitive decline such as memory and information processing. According to Hearing New Zealand, those with hearing loss are two to five times more likely to develop dementia.
Hearing loss hints at safety concerns too, through difficulty hearing car horns, sirens, footsteps, and other general sounds. In the workplace. Experts notice reduced performance and engagement in those with hearing loss, which can force an early retirement.
Hearing New Zealand puts the overall annual cost of unaddressed hearing loss globally at 750 billion. As March marks Hearing Awareness Month, make your ear and hearing health a priority, or aim to learn sign language to help include those hard of hearing around you. Seek treatment or change today, for a better life in the future.
