Consequences of hearing loss
Psychological and social consequences
Not treating a hearing loss can lead to a significant reduction in the quality of life to people, especially in terms of social contacts and mental well-being. In 1999, the National Council on the Ageing (NCOA) carried out research on this topic with hard of hearing people over 50. This study is still representative and often referred to in various other studies. Research has shown that hearing impaired people who do not wear a hearing instrument suffer more often and more violently from the following:
However, the studies showed that the quality of life of most people with hearing loss significantly improved with the use of a hearing instrument:
Physical consequences
Physical problems can occur as well, if a hearing loss remains untreated. In addition to a general feeling of unease, the following symptoms occur frequently:
The symptoms described here do not necessarily have to follow an untreated hearing loss; however, they have been noticed frequently. Hard of hearing people should, thus, pay extra attention to their well-being. If you have a hearing loss yourself and you suffer from some of the symptoms listed above, please contact your physician.