Did you know that good hearing health goes well beyond our ears? Good hearing health influences brain function, emotions, energy and well-being. Unfortunately, hearing health is most likely the last thing on most people’s minds until the problem is severe. Hearing loss is typically gradual for most people and often times not recognized. On top of that hearing loss itself has a long list of stigmas that people carry that create barriers for seeking treatment. Today let’s look at some of the risks when you do not seek treatment for hearing loss:

  • Depression. Yes, it may seem strange to link depression to our ears, but when hearing conversations and connecting with the people around you becomes more difficult a whole tide of emotions washes in – frustration, anger, and loneliness. Left unchecked, many people with untreated hearing loss retreat from social situations and isolate themselves and then depression easily falls into place
  • Cognitive declines. The brain must also “hear” to stay challenged and engaged. As our hearing declines our brain is less challenged and even gets out of practice with identifying certain sounds. Studies also show that there is a link between untreated hearing loss and dementia
  • Reduced quality of life. With untreated hearing loss you can lose the sounds you once loved – a grandchild’s laugh, music or birds chirping. Taking part in conversations becomes harder and it can take more energy to focus. As energy drains you can become less active even stopping a favorite hobby or social outing that brings you joy.

Fortunately, these risks can be reduced. Hearing loss for the most part is treatable and modern hearing aid technology can give you back control of your hearing health. But it all starts with taking that first step and seeking help from an audiologist or hearing care professional.