Adult Isolation And Its Unseen Causes

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

As we grow older, the probability increases that we will have to cope with hearing loss. Some amount of hearing loss is already affecting millions of individuals. Regrettably, people suffering from hearing loss often wait seven years after the first symptoms appear before looking for help.

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

You recognize your hearing is important. Our hearing strengthens us. Our hearing lets us communicate with our loved ones, get out with our friends, and go to your job. It also keeps us safe and connected with the outside world. Even your ability to relax is affected by your hearing. Unfortunately, we frequently take it for granted that we’ll always be able to hear.

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

This is why noticing early warning signs and seeking help to find potential treatment solutions is critical. The good news is, most types of hearing loss are treatable. If you are struggling with hearing loss and are frustrated about missing essential discussions, you should consult with a hearing professional in your area right away. Doing so will help you decide if your type and degree 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 decrease the chances of social isolation by making communication in social scenarios easier. Hearing aids make it easier for older adults to maintain their normal routines and interact socially with friends, family members, and the other individuals with whom they communicate each day.

According to research done at Johns Hopkins University, hearing loss has been associated with numerous health issues from mental acuity, loss of memory, depression, as well as an increased danger of developing Alzheimer’s. Managing hearing conditions helps to avoid these health concerns.

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

Hearing loss also creates safety concerns. Wearing hearing aids will help you feel confident that you will be capable of responding to important sounds and alerts that appear in your everyday life, including alarms, sirens, cell phones, oven timers, doorbells, car alarms, and horns, and other traffic sounds that indicate approaching vehicles.

If you make mistakes at work and lose details it can have a significant impact on your wages but wearing hearing aids can help you tackle these challenges.

Family members can be of great help to an older adult with hearing loss, but it’s also important that the individual with hearing loss takes the initiative. If hearing impairment is an issue for you, it’s time to return to hearing all of those relevant sounds in your life by getting a hearing test and committing to treatment (like using your hearing aid every day). Ultimately, it’s essential to know that you aren’t by yourself. You can avoid feeling separated and go back to socializing with your loved ones with a little help from a hearing professional, hearing aids, and your family 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.