Untreated hearing loss can affect your daily life in numerous ways. According to one review, “Several studies have shown that uncorrected hearing loss gives rise to poorer quality of life, related to isolation, reduced social activity, and a feeling of being excluded, leading to an increased prevalence of symptoms of depression.” In this post, we review some other ways untreated hearing loss can impact your daily life, as well as how hearing aids can help.
Relationships
Any couples counselor will tell you that good communication is the key to healthy relationships. When you can’t hear well, communication can become one-sided. Not only will you have a hard time understanding what your partner is saying to you, but they may take on extra responsibilities around the house and regarding your schedule. Over time, this can lead to resentment. Hearing aids work by amplifying speech so you can better hear your partner’s voice, as well as make it so you can contribute more when it comes to household responsibilities.
Work Performance & Salary
Not only can your untreated hearing loss affect your communication with your partner, but also with your colleagues and clients. One article by the Better Hearing Institute reports, “In a survey of more than 40,000 households utilizing the National Family Opinion panel, hearing loss was shown to negatively impact household income on-average up to $12,000 per year depending on the degree of hearing loss.” The good news is, the article goes on to say, “Use of hearing instruments was shown to mitigate the effects of hearing loss by 50%.”
Mental Health
If you have trouble hearing, it can also lead to feelings of anxiety about mishearing or misunderstanding what your conversation partner is saying. Chronic anxiety may be diagnosed as an anxiety disorder. In addition, if you’re too anxious to socialize, it can lead to social withdrawal and avoidance of activities you once loved, like spending time with friends at Ziggi’s Coffee on South Mingo Road, which is a well-known risk factor for depression. Hearing aids can help; they have been shown by one study to prevent or delay anxiety and depression.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment with a hearing expert, call Eastern Oklahoma ENT today.