Effects of Hearing Loss on a Patient ’ s Life
By Elizabeth Brassine , Au . D .
We think of the obvious effect of hearing loss with regard to communication difficulties . However , your hearing health contributes to your overall well-being and quality of life . Statistically , hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic condition in older Americans after hypertension and arthritis . Aging also brings cognitive processing deficits that interfere with communication and can create distractions that lead to memory loss , falls , and other accidents . Let ’ s examine these effects .
Memory and Hearing Loss –– Adults with hearing loss are more likely to develop problems thinking and remembering than adults with normal hearing . Also , adults with hearing loss develop a significant impairment in their cognitive abilities over three years sooner than those with normal hearing . It ’ s believed that untreated , degraded hearing may force the brain to devote too much of its energy and resources to processing sound .
Dementia and Hearing Loss –– Seniors with hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop dementia over time than those who retain their hearing or treat their hearing loss . It appears that this effect increases as the amount of hearing loss increases .
Falling and Hearing Loss –– People with mild hearing loss are three times more likely to have a history of falling . Each additional increase of hearing loss by 10 decibels increases the chance of falling by 1.4 times the original risk .
Mental Health and Hearing Loss –– Hearing loss results in social isolation . Adults with untreated hearing loss tend to withdraw from engaging with family and friends . They are also likely to report depression , anxiety , anger , and frustration . The degree of depression or other emotional or mental health issues also increases with the severity of the hearing loss .
Tinnitus and Hearing Loss –– Tinnitus or “ ringing in the ear ” affects up to 50 million Americans . Ninety percent of people with tinnitus also have hearing loss . The most common causes of tinnitus are : noise exposure , aging , head injury , and medication side effects .
Income and Hearing Loss –– Statistics show that people with untreated hearing loss lose up to $ 30,000 annually . Adults with hearing loss , who wear hearing aids , have a lower unemployment rate than those who don ’ t .
To hear better , is to live better ! Start a better health and wellness conversation today ! Better hearing health is possible ! Call your audiologist today !
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DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017
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