You may have noticed, as you age, that your hearing isn’t what it used to be. You might be chalking that up to overusing those headphones and listening to your music too loud, those heavy metal concerts you attended every other day, or just good old fashioned “getting old”. And while those things may be contributing factors to your hearing loss, it’s still a good idea to go to the doctor at the first sign of hearing diminishment, so you can get a full exam.
Photo Credit: Tristan Le
There are various hearing loss risks associated with diminishing hearing ability, and failing to go to the doctor to get a proper diagnosis can further exacerbate those risks. Rather than risk having a worsened condition, make an appointment with your audiologist to get to the bottom of your hearing loss ASAP.
Below are just a few of the risks associated with continued hearing loss:
Loss of Balance
Inner ear problems can be related to or lead to balance issues. For someone who is of advanced age, mobility is already a concern. Hearing issues will only make those worse; resulting in a possible fall or issues with walking.
Sleeping Issues
Hearing problems when untreated can lead to insomnia, sleep apnea and other major sleep problems. This can also lead to snoring and other sleep related problems. The more tired you are, the less balance you have, and it’s a never-ending cycle, which is why you should see a doctor.
Mineral/Vitamin Deficiencies
Doctors have noted in recent years that often those with hearing loss have vitamin or mineral deficiencies that, while they aren’t necessarily causing the hearing loss, are often related to the hearing loss. So while you’re at that appointment, speak to your doctor about this possibility and schedule an appointment with your GP if you have any doubts as to where you might be deficient. A supplement or vitamin may be in order.
Stress
Dealing with hearing loss on your own without any type of aid or assistance can be really stressful; craning your ear to try and hear, training yourself to read lips, begging people to turn up the volume; while these don’t seem like such a big deal, after time, they can begin to weigh on a person. Better to suck it up, make that appointment and just get to the doctor for that hearing test than force yourself to suffer with hearing loss.
Permanent Damage
If you continue to let your hearing erode, rather than seeing a professional, you may end up with permanent hearing loss that cannot be reversed or assisted. It is always a good idea, in the interest of preventative care as much as anything else, to see a doctor at the earliest signs of diminishing hearing, so you can get a proper diagnosis and the necessary treatment. Your doctor may be able to stave off any further, more debilitating, damage.
Now that you know the risks associated with hearing loss, don’t you want to make a doctor’s appointment today? Don’t let a small issue become a larger problem.
