The problem can cause depression and damage to physical health
Hearing loss is characterized by a decrease in hearing ability, which makes communication and perception difficult. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2050 nearly 2.5 billion people worldwide will be living with some degree of hearing loss, or one in four people.
Many people don’t know it, but hearing loss and mental health are connected. This is because communication is one of the main factors involved. Therefore, it is important to understand how hearing decline can affect people’s well-being.
“Communication problems deriving from hearing loss can cause frustration, isolation, loneliness, and it is very common to find them in the elderly population”, explains speech therapist Maria Branco, of the Microsom Group, a company specializing in quality of life for people with specials such as loss of hearing loss, tinnitus and sleep apnea.
All this, according to the specialist, is due to the fact that hearing problems lead to difficulties in communication and social interaction, leading to more serious problems, such as depression.
Consequences of hearing loss
A study by the American Institution for Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) found that the rate of depression among people with hearing impairments in the United States is 11%, compared to 5% of the population with normal hearing.
In addition to the emotional damage, which worsens the life quality, hearing loss still carries physical risks. There are studies linking hearing problems to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, as well as possible falls related to lack of balance.
Hearing impairment also puts the individual at risk of death, such as being run over or in dangerous situations, contributing to putting people at greater risk. Also, another big health-related caveat is cognitive decline, which can lead to dementia.
Signs that indicate hearing loss
According to Maria Branco, it is possible to observe some initial signs that indicate that the individual has a hearing loss. She gives some examples:
- Significantly raise the television;
- Difficulty talking on the phone;
- Don’t listen to the clock;
- Difficulty speaking.
“When one or more of these factors are observed, the patient should be quickly referred to a professional and started the treatment“says the speech therapist.
Devices that help improve hearing
Among the elderly, hearing loss is one of the main conditions faced. However, the current reality indicates that few people seek proper care and treatment. According to a NIDCD study, hearing aids and other devices that can help people with hearing impairments are used by only one in four adults who could benefit from these solutions. “It is very important to remember the need to regularly evaluate your hearing and, if you identify a hearing loss, seek help immediately,” explains Maria Branco.
The use of hearing aids, according to the specialist, promotes hearing rehabilitation and recovery which will restore the ability to live in society in a healthy way, reducing the possible physical and psychological consequences. emotional. “This rehabilitation improves sound stimuli, and will make the person listen better, bringing them back to social situations”, concludes the specialist.
By Beatriz Bradley
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
