It is a well-known statistic in the hearing health world that a person with hearing loss will wait an average of 7 years before pursuing treatment. Over the course of seven years, a lot can happen that the individual may be missing out on. Untreated hearing loss can affect an individual in a number of ways, including:
Your Relationships
Relationships, whether that be with family, friends, or coworkers, are built on communication. A hallmark of untreated hearing loss is a breakdown in communication: the individual too frequently has to ask for words to be repeated which lead to frustration on both sides. With time, untreated hearing loss can cause a person to become isolated: living with untreated hearing loss can negatively impact you and your loved ones.
Your Quality of Life
Numerous studies have shown the effect of untreated hearing loss. Research has shown that adults with untreated hearing impairment were more likely to self-report anxiousness, paranoia, and depression. A link between untreated hearing loss and social isolation was also found (Chisolm, et. al 2007). Communication is what draws us closer to others: difficulty hearing is a needless barrier separating you from what you love.
Your Career
An inability to communicate effectively with your boss, coworkers, or customers can impact job performance. On average, those with an untreated hearing loss earn less than their counterparts! Seeking treatment for a hearing impairment can help ensure you are hearing what you need in order to do your job well.
Knowing what we do about untreated hearing loss, what is stopping you from taking the next step to better hearing?
Sources:
Chisolm, T., Johnson, C., Danhauer, J., Portz, L., Abrams, H., Lesner, S., … Newman, C. (2007). A systematic review of health-related quality of life and hearing aids: Final report of the American Academy of Audiology Task Force on the Health-Related Quality of Life Benefits of Amplification in Adults. J Am Acad Audiol, 18(2), 151-183. Retrieved July 2, 2015, from https://www.audiology.org/sites/default/files/resources/JAAA_18_2_7.pdf
Kochkin, S. & Rogin, C. Quantifying the Obvious: The Impact of Hearing Aids on Quality of Life, The Hearing Review, Vol 7(1) January 2000, pp. 8-34.
Shield, Bridget. Evaluation of the Social and Economic Costs of Hearing Impairment. January 2005.
London South Bank University. Researched and written for www.hearit.org.