When you break a bone, you seek medical attention immediately. Experiencing hearing loss should be no different, but many people ignore their hearing loss symptoms. Untreated hearing loss can lead to mental health issues, decreased cognitive functioning, and extreme fatigue.
With such serious side effects, why do people ignore their hearing loss symptoms?
Hearing loss symptoms
Hearing loss can sometimes sneak up on people. If you have one or more of the following symptoms, you are likely experiencing hearing loss:
- Turning up the volume on the TV
- Struggling to follow conversations in noisy environments
- Asking others to repeat themselves
- Experiencing ringing in ears (tinnitus)
Despite the presence of these symptoms, many people ignore them. The three most common reasons for ignoring hearing loss symptoms include the perceived cost of treatment, gradual hearing loss that isn’t obvious, and stigma attached to hearing loss and aging.
Here are three reasons why people typically avoid seeking treatment for hearing loss.
1. Perceived cost
Sometimes people know they are experiencing hearing loss but are reluctant to schedule an appointment with an audiologist out of concern that they will not be able to afford treatment.
Hearing aids are incredible technology that will help you hear better in your daily situations and should be viewed as an investment in your health. These tools will be used from the time you wake up to when you settle down for the night, making them invaluable to your overall wellbeing.
2. Gradual hearing loss
In some circumstances, people ignore their hearing loss symptoms simply because they don’t notice they have them. Oftentimes, hearing loss occurs gradually over time. This means that you may not realize that your hearing has significantly deteriorated.
If your family and friends have suggested that you might benefit from hearing aids, or you’ve noticed any of the symptoms listed above, book an appointment with an audiologist. A hearing test will indicate whether you’re experiencing significant hearing loss and your audiologist can make recommendations accordingly.
3. Stigma
In addition to perceived cost and gradual hearing loss, some ignore hearing loss symptoms out of denial. Though hearing loss is not always a symptom of aging, the need for hearing aids is sometimes perceived as a marker in the aging process. If you’re uncomfortable with the knowledge that you are aging, admitting that you’re experiencing hearing loss may be difficult.
Remember that hearing loss isn’t anything to be ashamed of. By acknowledging you are experiencing hearing loss, you can maintain your quality of life and enjoy your favorite activities for years to come.
Contact an Audiologist
If you think you may be experiencing hearing loss, contact a local audiologist today. An audiologist will conduct a hearing test, make recommendations for hearing aids (if needed) based on the results and be at your side every step of the way.
Whether you have mild hearing loss or are experiencing tinnitus symptoms that are affecting your quality of life, assistance is available. Stop ignoring your hearing loss symptoms and get back to living the life you love today.
