Adult Isolation And Its Unseen Causes

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

The chances of having to cope with hearing loss goes up as we get older. Some degree of hearing loss is already affecting millions of individuals. But typically, seven years or more go by after the first symptoms show up before people get assistance.

Many older adult’s social life is negatively impacted by ignored hearing loss.

Warning signs include frequently asking friends and family members to repeat what they said more loudly and slowly, as well as withdrawing from social situations because they find it hard to communicate successfully.

You understand your hearing is important. Our hearing empowers us. With it, we can hang 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. Even your ability to relax is impacted by your hearing. Regrettably, we often 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 general quality of life. Hearing loss can even bring on feelings of isolation.

This is why acknowledging early warning signs and seeking assistance to find possible treatment solutions is crucial. Fortunately, most kinds of hearing loss are treatable. You should schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist if you find yourself frustrated about missing important conversations. These experts will help determine your level of hearing loss, as well as whether your hearing, and general health, would benefit from wearing hearing aids.

Studies show that using a hearing aid can, for people struggling with age-related hearing loss, help reduce the chances of social isolation by making communication in social scenarios easier. Interacting with friends, family, and co-workers becomes a lot easier for adults who suffer from hearing loss when they use hearing aids.

According to research done at Johns Hopkins University, hearing loss has been associated with many health problems from mental acuity, memory loss, depression, as well as a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s. These health concerns can be prevented by managing hearing loss.

Personal relationships, especially with friends and family, rely heavily on communication. Hearing loss can create miscommunication, frustration, and coldness between friends and family members.

Safety is also an issue for people afflicted with hearing loss. There are essential warning noises that appear in your life like sirens, alarms, horns, and the sound of traffic approaching which you need to be able to hear. Hearing aids will help keep you safer by letting you hear these sounds.

Hearing loss can have an adverse effect on your income. If you are dealing with hearing loss and are a member of the labor force, it can cause frustration, overlooked details, and ultimately lower your ability to earn. The use of hearing aids can be helpful.

Family members can be helpful to an older adult with hearing loss, but it’s also essential that the person with hearing loss takes the first step. If hearing impairment is a problem for you, it’s time to return to hearing all of those significant sounds in your life by taking a hearing exam and committing to treatment (like wearing your hearing aid regularly). Ultimately, it’s important to acknowledge that you aren’t alone. With help from family members, hearing professionals, and hearing aids, you can prevent feelings of isolation and once again socialize with your valued 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.