The Hidden Reason For Isolation Among Adults

Woman at the window looking out and feeling isolated from untreated hearing loss.

As we get older, the chances increase that we will have to cope with hearing loss. Some amount of hearing loss is already affecting millions of people. Unfortunately, people dealing with hearing loss commonly wait seven years after the first symptoms show up before looking for help.

Many older adults decide to dismiss their hearing loss, which can negatively affect their social lives. Retreating from social situations because it’s difficult to communicate and regularly asking people to repeat themselves are typical warning signs.

You understand your hearing is important. We’re empowered by our ability to hear. Our hearing allows us to communicate with our loved ones, go out with our friends, and go to your job. It also helps us stay connected to the outside world and keeps us safe. Even your ability to relax is affected by your hearing. It’s unfortunate that we so frequently take our hearing for granted.

Most of you will get to a point in your lives when your hearing starts to diminish and it will have a physical and emotional impact on you. It has an effect on your overall quality of life. Hearing loss can even lead to feelings of separation.

This is why recognizing early warning signs and getting help to find possible treatment options is critical. Fortunately, most types of hearing loss are treatable. If you’re suffering from hearing loss and are distressed about missing important interactions, you should consult with a hearing professional in your area immediately. These pros will help identify your degree of hearing loss, as well as whether your hearing, and general health, would benefit from using hearing aids.

Studies show that using a hearing aid can, for people suffering from age-related hearing loss, help lower the chances of social isolation by making communication in social scenarios easier. Hearing aids make it easier for older adults to continue their normal activities and socially interact with friends, family members, and the other individuals with whom they communicate each day.

Mental health issues including memory loss, depression, failing mental cognition, and even the occurrence of Alzheimer’s have been connected to hearing loss in studies conducted by Johns Hopkins University. These health concerns can be prevented by treating hearing loss.

Personal relationships, particularly with family and friends, rely heavily on communication. Frustration and miscommunication between friends and family are often the result of loss of hearing.

Safety is also a concern for people afflicted with hearing loss. There are essential warning sounds that take place in your life like alarms, horns, sirens, and the sound of traffic approaching which you need to be able to hear. Hearing aids will help keep you safer by letting you hear these sounds.

If you make mistakes at work and miss details it can have a major impact on your income but wearing hearing aids can help you overcome these issues.

It’s necessary that the person with hearing impairment take the initiative and schedule a hearing exam, but family members can also be a great help. If hearing loss is a problem for you, it’s time to go back to hearing all of those significant sounds in your life by getting a hearing exam and committing to treatment (like wearing your hearing aid daily). Understanding that you aren’t on your own can be very uplifting. With assistance from family members, hearing specialists, and hearing aids, you can prevent feelings of isolation and once again socialize with your treasured family members and friends.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.