There are several different causes of hearing loss. You could sustain hearing loss from an injury, a disease like meningitis, an infection in the inner ear, taking certain medications that cause hearing loss as a side effect, or even just aging.
Your hearing loss can be genetic or environmental. It can also be caused by the negligence of others. There are several class-action lawsuits being filed against companies who provided faulty earplugs used by deployed soldiers. Their lack of testing and the desire for profit has caused hearing damage in thousands of soldiers.
Unfortunately, hearing loss isn’t an isolated issue. In fact, it’s one of the most common causes of additional health problems. If you’re suffering from hearing loss, it’s important to be aware of these issues and take steps to treat them.
Dementia
Several studies have found that people with hearing loss are twice as likely to develop dementia than those who don’t have hearing loss. This is because when you can’t hear properly, it’s difficult to follow conversations or keep up with your surroundings. You may also find yourself withdrawing from social activities, which can lead to a feeling of isolation and loneliness. All of these can contribute to the development of dementia.
Depression
People with untreated hearing loss are more likely to suffer from depression than those who have normal hearing. This is likely due to the feelings of isolation and frustration that come along with not being able to hear properly. It can be difficult to keep up with work, social activities, and your personal life when you’re struggling with hearing loss.
If you have a family member that suffers from any cognitive debilitations, it’s important to monitor both their mental and physical health. Plenty of people choose to suffer in silence and not seek out the support they need. Your time and attention can benefit their quality of life in the long run.
Balance Problems
Hearing loss can also lead to balance problems. This is because the inner ear is responsible for helping you maintain your balance. When it’s damaged, it can be difficult to stay upright and coordinated. You may feel unsteady on your feet or experience a feeling of dizziness.
Falls
The balance problems associated with hearing loss can be dangerous, especially for older adults. If you’re struggling to stay balanced, you may find yourself falling more often. This can lead to serious injuries like broken bones and traumatic brain injuries.
Eye Issues
One study found that people who suffer from hearing loss are also more likely to have eye issues like glaucoma and cataracts. This is because the ears and eyes work together in order to help us see and maintain our balance. When one of these systems is damaged, it can affect the other.
Cardiovascular Disease
Your inner ear is responsible for helping your body regulate blood pressure. If you’re experiencing hearing loss, it can be difficult to maintain a proper blood pressure level. This means that those who suffer from untreated hearing loss are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the name for a condition that causes ringing or buzzing in the ears. It’s often associated with hearing loss, and it can make daily life difficult. Loud noises may be painful to those who suffer from tinnitus, and they may struggle with focus and concentration due to their symptoms.
Those suffering from tinnitus are also more likely to experience depression and have difficulty concentrating than those without the condition. Tinnitus is a ringing in the ears that can cause problems with sleep and make it difficult to hear others speak or concentrate on other tasks.
Diabetes
People with diabetes are also more likely to experience hearing loss. This is because high blood sugar levels can damage the delicate inner ear cells. If you’re suffering from hearing loss and have diabetes, it’s important to get your blood sugar levels under control.
Untreated Hearing Loss Is Dangerous
It’s important that if you notice any sign of hearing loss, you contact your doctor right away. They’ll be able to help you determine whether or not your hearing has been damaged and recommend treatment options based on your needs. There are many different treatments available for both mild forms of hearing loss as well as more advanced cases like deafness or profound hearing loss.
Treatment Options
If you’re struggling with hearing loss, there is a treatment option available that will help you manage your symptoms and prevent additional health problems like dementia or depression from developing: wearing hearing aids. Hearing aids can improve your quality of life so much by improving communication and allowing you to hear properly again. You may also find that other issues like balance problems improve when your hearing improves as well.
If you’re suffering from any of the additional medical issues mentioned in this article, it’s important to seek treatment from a qualified professional. Doing so will help improve your quality of life and prevent further health problems from developing.
If you’re suffering from hearing loss, it’s important to be aware of these additional health problems and take steps to treat them. See your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan. There are many different ways to manage these conditions, so don’t let hearing loss keep you from living a healthy, balanced life.