Consequences of Untreated Hearing Loss

April 11, 2017 |

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Millions of Americans have some form of hearing loss. The appropriate treatment for hearing loss is with hearing aids. Research has suggested the longer and more severe the hearing loss is the more consequences there are for it going untreated.

Some people don’t get hearing aids because of financial reasons which could be overcome with payment plan options and assistive programs. Other people may have difficulty accepting the fact that they need assistance with their hearing loss. Someone may not even realize they are having a hearing problem. The only way to determine the severity and fully understand hearing loss is to have a hearing evaluation performed. Some signs of hearing loss are: an increased difficulty in hearing in a group/background noise, trouble understanding on the phone, difficulty hearing the television, localizing sounds, frequently asking people to repeat themselves, women/children’s voices are difficult, you feel people are mumbling, or you avoid certain situations all together. If you notice any of these signs you should come in for a hearing test with one of our audiologists.

Hearing loss usually happens gradually overtime; it may take someone years before they notice they are having any trouble at all. Unfortunately, there are many consequences of leaving a hearing loss untreated. Researchers at John Hopkins and National Institute on Aging have confirmed there is a link between hearing loss and dementia. Researchers found the more severe the hearing loss, the greater the risk of developing dementia over time compared to participants with normal hearing.

Untreated hearing loss can also negatively affect a person’s quality of life; this can vary depending on the severity of their hearing loss. Some consequences are: difficulty at work resulting in decreased pay, loneliness/depression, less social activities, insecurities, fear/worry/anger/frustration, and difficulties with short term memories.

If you feel you are experiencing hearing loss please call the office for an appointment. The sooner you have your hearing test the faster we can provide a treatment plan for you!


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