Hearing loss often creeps in quietly. At first, you might get a little confused in busy environments. As it progresses, you may struggle with all communication, regardless of the environment. But the effects of untreated hearing loss aren’t isolated to misunderstanding speech. They reach every part of your life, from your relationships to your mental health.
Because the side effects of untreated hearing loss touch so much of your life, it’s crucial to protect your hearing and seek treatment when necessary. Let’s look closely at a few side effects of untreated hearing loss and why it’s critical to seek treatment if it arises.
Side Effects of Untreated Hearing Loss
A few side effects of untreated hearing loss include:
- Social isolation. Hearing loss causes you to pull away socially. A 2020 literature review found that social isolation and loneliness could have a significant impact on the cognitive, mental and psychosocial health of older adults with hearing loss.
- Strained relationships. One-off misunderstandings don’t have to harm your relationships, but frustration can arise when hearing loss causes them to happen repeatedly.
- Decreased feeling of safety. You’ve probably been in a building when a fire alarm goes off or heard someone shout “Watch out!” or “DUCK!” before a ball hits you in the head. Hearing loss can dull these safety warnings and put you at risk of injury.
- Reduced independence. Teenagers spend a lot of time yearning for independence, and that desire never really goes away. Untreated hearing loss makes tiny things like going to the doctor or buying your week’s groceries at United Provisions feel out of reach or difficult. These feelings can wreak havoc on your sense of independence.
How Can I Protect My Hearing?
You can’t stop yourself from aging, meaning you can’t prevent all age-related hearing loss. But you can prevent unnecessary noise-related hearing loss by limiting your noise exposure with earplugs and lowering the volume.
The Importance of Early Treatment
The amplified speech hearing aids take away some of the communication strain of hearing loss. With early treatment, you can feel confident interacting with others and moving about the world safely and independently.
Don’t wait for hearing loss to start negatively impacting your life. Contact Center for Hearing & Speech today to schedule a treatment consultation.
