5 Reasons Why You Should Never Ignore Hearing Problems – What to Know

Handsome elderly man holds hand on ear isolated over white background
Handsome elderly man holds hand on ear isolated over white background

Hearing loss tends to affect one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74, though many may find it difficult to admit having troublesome signs. Experiencing fluctuating problems with your hearing is not something you can put off in your list of priorities. With that in mind, the reasons below should help convince you to pick up your feet and seek immediate help as soon as you notice any tell-tale signs of poor hearing. 

1. Poor Balance and Higher Risks of Falling

Woman performing a yoga stretch in a studio
Hearing problems can negatively affect balance and prevent you from participating in your usual activities

Shrugging off signs of poor hearing isn’t a condition you can turn the other cheek on as it puts you at three times the risk of falling compared to people with normal hearing. This is because hearing loss compromises the equilibrium in your inner ear, which can lead to lower awareness of your surroundings. 

The less sharp your senses are, the higher the chances of tripping due to cognitive overload. Straining yourself to keep up with day-to-day conversations prompts the brain to work harder, which is primarily why people with poor hearing health struggle with their mobility in the long run. 

2. Listening Fatigue and Tiredness

Forcing yourself to hear requires constant work, which can be physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting. Deciphering regular conversations involves back-breaking effort as it includes lip-reading and some guesswork to fill in the gaps.

Filling the lines in what a person hears takes up more energy than those with normal hearing, which is why settling with your poor hearing condition will only result in listening fatigue and overall weariness. 

3. Poor Heart Health 

Many people don’t know that your heart has a direct connection to your hearing. The inner ear’s sensitivity to blood flow affects your auditory system, so suffering from a lack of oxygen or nutrients can lead to damages in the delicate structures of your inner ear. Conversely, suffering from hearing loss, also puts you at risk of developing potential heart problems. 

4. Dementia and Mental Decline 

People that are suffering from hearing loss struggle to keep up even with the simplest of conversations, which limits them from engaging in stimulating activities. A lack of social interaction can inhibit the mind’s acuity and creativity, which is why older adults experience a gradual decline in cognitive function. After all, an idle thought process is sure to lead to a duller mental sharpness. 

5. Depression and Social Isolation

Humans are naturally social creatures, which makes hearing a vital component of maintaining healthy communication with friends, family, partners, and co-workers. Living with hearing troubles can often discourage patients from participating in social situations – be it due to the struggle of keeping a conversation or out of embarrassment. 

Young woman suffering from depression
Hearing problems affect the way we live our daily lives, resulting in a negative impact on mental health.

Losing the ability to confide in your loved ones or create new relationships can be isolating for people, which increases the chances of developing depression, anxiety, or even paranoia. 

In Conclusion 

Checking any issues the moment you notice symptoms like muffled speech, difficulty in understanding words, and trouble hearing can keep your condition from worsening. Other red flags include dizziness, pressure, or even continuous ringing accompanying your deteriorating ability to pick up sounds. 

If you’re looking for a hearing clinic in Abbotsford, get in touch with us for a free consultation.

 

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