If you think something is wrong with your hearing, better get it checked before it's too late! The latest study shows that untreated hearing loss could lead to depression, anxiety and other cognitive problems.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA) hearing loss is linked with depression and other cognitive problems. The result of the study was presented during APA's annual conference in Toronto. Prior studies were already made linking the failure to seek treatment with a number of cognitive mental problems with the progression of hearing loss.
Presenters, nevertheless, are positive that the availability and constant improvement of medical technologies would offset this problem. Those with problems with their hearing could get the best treatment possible to prevent the condition from worsening.
It usually takes around six years from the time a person starts to feeling the symptoms before he decides to get treated. One reason is that they are not sure of the symptoms or because they do not want to look for medical assistance.
"Sufferers between 20 and 69 years of age were less than half as likely to seek assistance as those 70 and older, due to reasons like vanity, denial or being unaware of treatment," a news from HNGN reports.
Individuals who were not wearing any hearing aid are half as much at risk of enduring feelings of sadness and depression, the study, with 2,300 participants, revealed. The results coincided with the findings of earlier studies showing the effect of hearing loss to cognitive problems and the possibility of worsening to dementia.
The researchers suggest that not being able to function socially compounds the increased risk. People who have difficulty communicating in social settings tend to avoid them and stay home more often or do not participate with groups. They also noted that anger, frustration and anxiety are commonly found among the hard of hearing sector.
In the U.S., hearing loop technology is fast becoming popular because it facilitates in sound transmission via in-ear hearing or cochlear implant. Individuals who are hearing impaired now has a source of convenience with the help of this technology. In fact, hearing look technology is now available in taxis and airports, while the ones for home TV room.
