Hearing loss is often perceived as a consequence of aging, and many individuals tend to overlook its potential impact on overall health. However, untreated hearing loss can lead to a range of comorbidities, affecting not only a person’s auditory experience but also their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. As February spotlights preventative health, this blog will explore the various health issues associated with untreated hearing loss, emphasizing the critical importance of regular hearing testing and early intervention.

Potential Consequences of Hearing Loss

Left untreated, hearing loss does not simply impede your ability to hear and communicate, it can also influence your mental and physical health. Common and very possible consequences include cognitive decline (including risks of dementia and Alzheimer’s) as the brain expends excessive cognitive resources to cope with auditory challenges. Social isolation and reduced quality of life often follow, impacting mental well-being in the form of depression, anxiety, and straining relationships. Additionally, the increased risk of falls stems from difficulties in perceiving environmental sounds. Hearing is more than the ability to perceive sounds, it allows us to connect and experience the world around us. When that becomes quiet, our whole being can suffer.

Comorbidities of Hearing Loss

A comorbidity is when two or more conditions are connected or commonly occur at the same time, piling on top of each other. While some of these may be coincidental and more common as we get older, there are several conditions that have been linked to hearing loss.

Some increase your risk for hearing loss, such as sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, having hearing loss increases the risk of balance issues, tinnitus, and cognitive impairment. This is why you’ll notice we ask questions about most of these conditions in audiology intake forms. See the references below for more information.

Be mindful that these are not direct links; just because you have diabetes does not mean you will inevitably have hearing loss. However, it is helpful to know that these conditions increase other risks. Our whole bodies are connected and can influence the function of another, seemingly unrelated bodily function.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Early intervention through regular hearing tests is crucial for addressing the various consequences of untreated hearing loss. The timely introduction of hearing aids or assistive devices helps alleviate the cognitive burden associated with hearing loss, reducing the risk of cognitive decline and other mental health concerns.

The link between untreated hearing loss and other health issues is nuanced and interconnected. Addressing hearing loss early can potentially reduce stress, contribute to better overall health, and mitigate the risk of conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Early intervention serves as a preventative measure that not only addresses the immediate consequences of hearing loss but also contributes to holistic well-being.

Conclusion

Untreated hearing loss triggers a cascade of health risks that extend beyond the auditory realm. Recognizing these consequences and understanding the links to other health issues points out the vital importance of early intervention. Regular hearing tests and proactive measures not only preserve cognitive function and emotional well-being but also serve as essential steps in breaking the chain of health risks associated with untreated hearing loss.

For more information or to book a test, call us at 705-749-0707.

References

Audiology information series: Comorbidities and hearing loss. American Speech Language Hearing Association. (2021). https://www.asha.org/siteassets/ais/ais-comorbidities-and-hearing-loss.pdf

Besser, J., Stropahl, M., Urry, E., & Launer, S. (2018). Comorbidities of hearing loss and the implications of multimorbidity for Audiological Care. Hearing Research, 369, 3–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heares.2018.06.008

Chacon, C. L. (2022, May 12). Link between hearing loss and certain chronic diseases. AHIP | Help Me Hear. https://helpmehear.ca/link-between-hearing-loss-and-certain-chronic-diseases/

Hearing Loss Comorbidities: Adults. The American Academy of Audiology. (2018). https://www.audiology.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/PAWeek18-Infographic-2-Adult-Fillable.pdf