The Unseen Cause of Solitude Among Adults

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

The probability of having to cope with hearing loss goes up as we age. Millions are managing some amount of hearing loss. But commonly, seven years or more go by after the initial symptoms show up before people get help.

Many older adults choose to dismiss their hearing loss, which can negatively affect their social lives. Warning signs include frequently asking people around you to repeat what they said more slowly and loudly, as well as withdrawing from social situations because they find it hard to communicate successfully.

You recognize your hearing is important. We’re strengthened by our ability to hear. With it, we can go out with friends, go to work, and communicate with those we care about. It also helps us remain connected to the outside world and keeps us safe. Our hearing even helps us unwind. It’s a pity that we so frequently take our hearing for granted.

So when your hearing declines, and if you’re like most individuals, it will, you’ll feel it emotionally and physically. It has an effect on your general quality of life. Isolation is also a big risk with hearing loss

This is why recognizing early warning signs and seeking help to find possible treatment solutions is crucial. Fortunately, most types of hearing loss are treatable. You need to schedule a consultation with a hearing specialist if you find yourself frustrated about missing crucial conversations. Doing so will help you decide if your type and level of hearing loss can be effectively treated with hearing aids.

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

Mental health problems like loss of memory, depression, failing mental cognition, and even the occurrence of Alzheimer’s have been connected to hearing loss in studies conducted by Johns Hopkins University. Treating hearing conditions helps to prevent these health concerns.

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

Hearing loss also creates safety concerns.

There are essential warning noises that appear 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 enabling you to hear these sounds.

If you have errors at work and miss details it can have a significant impact on your income but using hearing aids can help you conquer these difficulties.

It’s crucial that the person with hearing impairment take the initiative and schedule a hearing examination, but family members can also be really helpful. If hearing impairment is a problem for you, it’s time to get back to hearing all of those relevant sounds in your life by taking a hearing exam and committing to treatment (like using your hearing aid daily). Ultimately, it’s essential to recognize that you aren’t alone. With assistance from family members, hearing specialists, and hearing aids, you can prevent feelings of solitude and once again socialize with your valued friends and family members.

The content of this blog is the intellectual property of MedPB.com and is reprinted here with permission. The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive a hearing aid consultation, call today to schedule an appointment.