Congenital hearing loss happens at birth. People suffering this condition look into various ways available for them to “cure” their hearing, and they with their families, do everything possible to improve their lifestyle and allow themselves to live a normal life available to those who are able to hear. On the other hand, gradual hearing loss happens over a period of time. In adults, it is usually caused by aging or exposure to noise. However, unlike those born without hearing, those who have lost it gradually often leave it untreated and learn to cope with their condition. But there are reasons why coping is not a solution and why anyone who suspects hearing loss should get a hearing loss test and start the treatment.
Social Life
This is one of the first things you will have to give up with the deterioration of your hearing. You will not be able to maintain a conversation, particularly if it is in a crowded place such as your local club or a restaurant. You will often ask people to repeat what they have just said and it will be impossible to understand people talking on the phone without you seeing them.
Indulge your family – even though you may find their comments about your hearing to be a criticism, especially if it is coming from your spouse, they aren’t actually. If they look annoyed, they probably are simply due to the fact that communicating with you has been difficult lately. Take their advice and have your hearing checked. If they are right, you can get help. If you are right, you will have a proof they are wrong. It’s a win-win situation really.
Chronic Renal Disease
The condition is one from the list of diseases not caused by but associated with hearing loss. It represents a gradual loss of kidney function happening with age and according to a survey conducted in Australia, it increases the risk of hearing loss by 43%. This is due to the accumulation of toxins which damages auditory nerves.
Dementia and Cognitive Decline
Keep your mind sharp by keeping your entire body well-functioning. Hearing loss can cause your brain to shrink and lose its function more rapidly than it normally would, particularly the area in charge of the short-term memory. This can lead to dementia. This, the lesser exposure to society and the reduction in brain stimulation due to the loss of one of the senses can also deteriorate your thinking skills.
Diabetes
it is well-known that high blood sugar levels can cause damage to blood vessels and nerves in the body. A lot of people are aware of the connection between the loss of eye-sight and diabetes, but it seems that not many are noticing the same connection between the disease and hearing loss. Acoustic nerve suffers the same type of damage the optical nerve does, so the loss of the hearing can also be attributed to diabetes.
Cardiovascular Diseases
The conditions of the heart and blood vessels as a consequence can have reduced circulation. The cochlea as a part of your inner ear where most of it happens is sensitive to blood circulation and its abnormalities. This is how blood pressure levels and other factors including circulation can cause changes in your ability to hear.
Tinnitus
This condition deserves a chapter of its own, however, the hearing loss or the same thing that’s causing your hearing loss could cause tinnitus. It is the intermittent or constant ringing, buzzing, hissing, clicking or roaring in your ears. People with this condition are often restless and suffer insomnia. The causes are various, age, noise exposure, earwax blockage, changes in ear bone, head or neck injuries, TMJ disorder, a tumor on the cranial nerve, certain medications, and blood vessel disorders.
Safety
Hearing loss can potentially make your everyday life significantly less safe than what it used to be. When going about our day, we are used to picking up signals which make us aware of our environment and alert us of any dangers. Without hearing, we cannot use this method of protection. This is particularly a problem for those with gradual hearing loss who are used to being able to rely on their hearing for these types of warning signs. Hearing loss can thus cause further injuries at home, workplace or in traffic. A fall or a serious injury can be especially difficult for older adults to overcome. Hearing loss can cause disorientation and loss of balance.
Depression
These two much-underestimated conditions seem to be going hand in hand. The statement is based on the percentage of those with depression out of the group of people with hearing loss and the general public, though the link is not fully explained as yet. Some of it could potentially be attributed to the changes in lifestyle, loss of confidence and social interaction.
The Treatment is Easily Available
You will be going through much more hassle trying to cope with your hearing loss and learning not to rely on it than treat it. A basic hearing test takes only about 10 minutes and a full audiological assessment or an ENT appointment can be done within under an hour. This will allow the specialist an insight into your hearing and an opportunity to recommend the best hearing device possible for treating your hearing loss. You can look into the benefits programs to find out whether you could qualify for a free device or at least some help with the purchase. Hearing aids will help you retain the existing lifestyle.
These are some of the reasons why you should not have second thoughts about having a hearing loss test done. Look for signs yourself. If you find it impossible to communicate in crowded areas and against background noise or if your TV or radio is up too loud, you probably have some issues hearing. If the telephone is no longer the appropriate means of communication for you and you prefer seeing people when talking to them, you are lip reading and using your eyes instead of your ears. This is a great indication you should seek professional help.