Hearing loss can be one of the most challenging medical conditions to face due to its gradual and often unnoticeable onset. Untreated hearing loss has far-reaching effects, perhaps the most damaging of which is social isolation and cognitive and processing damage due to auditory deprivation.
Untreated hearing loss can lead to a reduced ability to communicate and interact with others, which could, in turn, lead to anxiety and stress from struggling to comprehend conversations and social exchanges. With limited access to sound, our cognitive abilities may also suffer from a lack of stimulation in the brain. This can lead to negative structural changes and atrophy of relevant brain tissues. Additionally, hearing loss has been linked to depression and other mental health concerns, including increasing the risk of dementia.
Unfortunately, physical symptoms can also accompany hearing loss, such as persistent ringing in the ears due to damage from harmfully loud noises. Another common symptom is fatigue, which stems from the constant struggle to make sense of sounds and dialogue throughout the day. When faced with the impacts of hearing loss, it is important for individuals to cope by seeking appropriate assistance from a hearing health professional and experiencing the many benefits of treatment.
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