Dealing with hearing loss irritating, and it can hamper productivity at work as well as social life. But it doesn’t end there; you may not know it, but hearing loss can also be linked with health problems, and it’s important to understand this to prevent further complications.
Babies and Young Children
Out of all age groups, hearing loss in young children can be the most significant because it can prevent developmental milestones during critical years of growth. When a child can’t hear properly during their formative years, the damage that results can be lifelong.
Because the stakes are so high, babies now routinely receive hearing screenings after birth and at milestone ages to guarantee that language, social development and learning is on track.
Detecting hearing loss as early as possible is crucial, otherwise a child can miss important developmental milestones in communication and language. These milestones are vital to later milestones, and affect lifelong communication capabilities, self-esteem, and language skills.
Adults
Hearing loss is most common among seniors and becomes more prevalent as we age. Though hearing loss later in life doesn’t our development, other health complications can arise, including social and mental health.
Some acute health issues that may result from hearing loss are mental strain, fatigue, headaches, increased stress, muscle tension, and high blood pressure.
When hearing becomes more difficult, the effort of communication can also result in depression and social isolation. Less frequent stimulation mentally can then lead to cognitive decline like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Symptom: Hearing Loss
We’ve seen that hearing loss can cause other health problems, but it can also be a symptom of other health problems could have not yet been diagnosed or detected.
Acute sicknesses, for example ear infections or respiratory distress can affect hearing short term. In the long run, health problems that can affect hearing loss include high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, high blood sugar, diabetes, among other chronic illnesses.
Certain medications can also result in temporary hearing loss. This hearing loss will most often resolve when the medication no longer being taken. These medications that cause hearing loss are labeled ototoxic medications
The first step to halting hearing loss and preventing further damage is to recognize your situation. Come in today for a hearing screening and formulate a strategy to train your brain to listen actively and effectively.
Diablo Hearing Services 2301 Camino Ramon, STE 106 San Ramon (925) 394-4646