The Hidden Cause of Solitude Among Adults

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

As we age, the probability increases that we will have to cope with hearing loss. Some amount of hearing loss is already affecting millions of individuals. But commonly, seven or more years go by after the first symptoms appear before people get help.

Many older adults decide to disregard their hearing loss, which can negatively impact their social lives. Warning signs include frequently asking friends and family members to repeat what they said more slowly and loudly, as well as retreating from social situations because they find it difficult to communicate effectively.

Obviously, hearing is essential. Our hearing empowers us. Our hearing lets us communicate with our loved ones, go out with our friends, and go to your job. It also helps us remain involved in the outside world and keeps us safe. Our hearing even helps us unwind. Unfortunately, we frequently take it for granted that we’ll always be able to hear.

So when your hearing diminishes, and if you’re like most people, it will, you’ll feel it emotionally and physically. It has an impact on your overall quality of life. Hearing loss can even result in feelings of separation.

For these reasons, it’s important to acknowledge the early signs of hearing loss so potential treatment options can be explored. Most kinds of hearing loss, thankfully, can be managed. You should schedule an assessment with a hearing specialist if you find yourself frustrated about missing important conversations. These experts will help identify your level of hearing loss, and also whether your hearing, and general health, would benefit from wearing hearing aids.

For individuals suffering from age-related hearing loss, research has shown that wearing hearing aids has lots of advantages, including improvements in the ability to hear in social situations and interacting with others. Hearing aids make it easier for older adults to maintain their normal activities and socially interact with friends, family members, and the other people with whom they communicate each day.

Mental health problems like memory loss, depression, failing mental cognition, and even the occurrence of Alzheimer’s have been connected to hearing loss in studies performed by Johns Hopkins University. Dealing with hearing conditions helps to avoid these health issues.

Personal relationships, especially with friends and family, rely heavily on communication. Hearing loss can result in miscommunication, frustration, and ill will between friends and family members.

Hearing loss also creates safety challenges. Wearing hearing aids will help you feel confident that you will be able to respond to essential sounds and warnings that appear in your everyday life, such as alarms, sirens, cell phones, oven timers, doorbells, car alarms, and horns, and other traffic noises that identify approaching traffic.

Hearing loss can have an unfavorable impact on your income. If you are dealing with hearing loss and are a member of the labor force, it can lead to frustration, lost details, and inevitably lower your ability to earn. The use of hearing aids can be helpful.

Family members can be of great help to an older adult with hearing loss, but it’s also imperative that the individual with hearing loss takes the first step. If hearing impairment 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 (such as wearing your hearing aid regularly). Ultimately, it’s important to acknowledge that you aren’t by yourself. With help from family members, hearing specialists, and hearing aids, you can avoid feelings of separation and once again socialize with your cherished friends and family members.

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.

Questions? Talk To Us.